The quark-meson coupling model for Λ, Σ and Ξ hypernuclei

The quark-meson coupling (QMC) model, which has been successfully used to describe the properties of both infinite nuclear matter and finite nuclei, is applied to a systematic study of Lambda, Sigma and Xi hypernuclei, Assumptions made in the present study are, (i) the (self-consistent) exchanged scalar, and vector, mesons couple only to the u and d quarks, and (ii) an SU(6) valence quark model for the bound nucleons and hyperon. The model automatically leads to a very weak spin-orbit interaction for the Lambda in a hypernucleus. Effects of the Pauli blocking at the quark level, particularly in the open, coupled, Sigma N-Lambda N channel (strong conversion), is also taken into account in a phenomenological way. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.