Exploring the N\Lambda-N\Sigma coupled system with high precision correlation techniques at the LHC

The interaction of Lambda and Sigma hyperons (Y) with nucleons (N) is strongly influenced by the coupled-channel dynamics. Due to the small mass difference of the N Lambda and N Sigma systems, the sizable coupling strength of the N Sigma <-> N Lambda processes constitutes a crucial element in the determination of the N Lambda interaction. In this letter we present the most precise measurements on the interaction of p Lambda pairs, from zero relative momentum up to the opening of the N Sigma channel. The correlation function in the relative momentum space for p Lambda circle plus (p) over bar(Lambda) over bar pairs measured in high-multiplicity triggered pp collisions at root s = 13 TeV at the LHC is reported. The opening of the inelastic N Sigma channels is visible in the extracted correlation function as a cusp-like structure occurring at relative momentum k* = 289 MeV/c. This represents the first direct experimental observation of the N Sigma <-> N Lambda coupled channel in the p Lambda system. The correlation function is compared with recent chiral effective field theory calculations, based on different strengths of the N Sigma <-> N Lambda transition potential. A weaker coupling, as possibly supported by the present measurement, would require a more repulsive three-body NN Lambda interaction for a proper description of the Lambda in-medium properties, which has implications on the nuclear equation of state and for the presence of hyperons inside neutron stars. (C) 2022 European Organization for Nuclear Research, ALICE. Published by Elsevier B.V.