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

A pioneering experiment in {lambda} hypernuclear spectroscopy, undertaken at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (J Lab), was recently reported. The experiment used the high precision, continuous electron beam at JLab, and a special arrangement of spectrometer magnets to measure the hypernuclear spectrum from C and {sup 7}Li targets using the (e,e'K{sup +}) reaction. The {sub {lambda}}{sup 12}B spectrum found in this investigation was previously published, but is reported here in more detail, with improved resolution. In addition, the results of a {sub {lambda}}{sup 7}He spectrum also obtained in the experiment, are shown. This latter spectrum indicates the need for a more detailed few-body calculation of the hypernucleus and the reaction process. The success of the experiment demonstrates the potential of the (e,e'K{sup +}) reaction for high resolution spectroscopy of hypernuclear spectra.