The energy spacing between the ground-state spin doublet of 4 Λ He(1 + ,0 + ) was determined to be 1406 ± 2 ± 2 keV, by measuring γ rays for the 1 + → 0 + transition with a high efficiency germanium detector array in coincidence with the 4 He(K − , π − ) 4Λ He reaction at J-PARC. In comparison to the corresponding energy spacing in the mirror hypernucleus 4 Λ H, the present result clearly indicates the existence of charge symmetry breaking (CSB) in ΛN interaction. It is also found that the CSB effect is large in the 0 + ground state but is by one order of magnitude smaller in the 1 + excited state, demonstrating that the ΛN CSB interaction has spin dependence.

A hypernucleus, a sub-atomic bound system with at least one hyperon, is a great test ground to investigate nuclear forces and general baryonic interactions with up, down and strange quarks. Hypernuclei have been extensively studied for almost seven decades in reactions involving cosmic-rays and with accelerator beams. In recent years, experimental studies of hypernuclei have entered a new stage using energetic collisions of heavy-ion beams. However, these investigations have revealed two puzzling results related to the lightest three-body hypernuclear system, the so-called hypertriton and the unexpected existence of a bound state of two neutrons with a Λ hyperon. Solving these puzzles will not only impact our understanding of the fundamental baryonic interactions with strange quarks, but also of the nature of the deep interior of neutron stars. In this Perspective, we discuss approaches to solving these puzzles including experiments with heavy-ion beams and the analysis of nuclear emulsions using state-of-the-art technologies. We summarise on-going projects and experiments at various facilities worldwide and outline future perspectives.

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