The electromagnetic form factors of the Λ in the timelike region

The reaction e+e−→Λ¯Λ is investigated for energies close to the threshold. Specific emphasis is put on the role played by the interaction in the final Λ¯Λ system which is taken into account rigorously. For that interaction a variety of Λ¯Λ potential models is employed that have been constructed for the analysis of the reaction p¯p→Λ¯Λ in the past. The enhancement of the effective form factor for energies close to the Λ¯Λ threshold, seen in pertinent experiments, is reproduced. Predictions for the Λ electromagnetic form factors GM and GE in the timelike region and for spin-dependent observables such as spin-correlation parameters are presented.