Hypernuclear spectroscopy using the (e,e'K+) reaction

A pioneering experiment in Λ hypernuclear spectroscopy, undertaken at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jlab), was recently reported. The experiment used the highprecision, continuous electron beam at Jlab, and a special arrangement of spectrometer magnets to measure the spectrum from C and Li targets using the (e, eK) reaction. The 12 Λ B spectrum was previously published. This experiment is now reported in more detail, with improved results for the 12 Λ B spectrum. In addition, unpublished results of the 7 ΛHe spectrum are also shown. This later spectrum indicates the need for a more detailed few-body calculation of the hypernucleus and the reaction process. The success of this experiment demonstrates that the (e, eK) reaction can be effectively used as a high resolution tool to study hypernuclear spectra, ant its use should be vigorously pursued. PACS numbers: 21.80.+a, 21.10.Dr, 21.60.Cs