Strangeness Nuclear Physics

Recent progress in strangeness nuclear physics is reported. The high-resolution (e, e′K+) reaction spectroscopy has been established at JLab as a new means to study Λ hypernuclear structure. Precision γ-ray spectroscopy of hypernuclei has revealed fine structure of various light Λ hypernuclei and clarified ΛN spin-dependent interactions. Production of neutron-rich Λ hypernuclei has become successful by using the (π−, K+) reaction at KEK. Several experimental data have implied existence of deeply-bound -nuclear systems, and their theoretical research is also activated. Kaonic X ray measurements in light nuclei are also being carried out. The J-PARC and other facilities will allow us to accelerate these experimental studies of Λ hypernuclei and K− nuclear systems and to extend hypernuclear physics to double strangeness systems.