Lambda-Sigma⁰ mixing in finite nuclei

Properties of hypernuclei are studied in the context of a chiral Lagrangian which successfully describes ordinary nuclei. Lambda-Sigma^0 mixing arises from nondiagonal vertices in flavor space induced by the vector mesons and by the electromagnetic field. The set of Dirac equations for the coupled hyperon system is discussed. Results are presented for energy spectra and electromagnetic properties of hyperons in the nuclear environment. Simple estimates suggest that flavor mixing can lead to sizable changes in the lifetimes of Lambda hypernuclei.