Strange hadronic matter

Abstract

In an extended mean field theory, we find a large class of bound multistrange objects, formed from combinations of {p,n,Λ,${\mathrm{\Xi }}^0$,${\mathrm{\Xi }}^{\mathrm{-}}$} baryons, which are stable against strong decay. We predict a maximal binding energy per baryon of ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{B}}$/A≊-21 MeV, strangeness per baryon ${\mathit{f}}_{\mathit{s}}$≊1.2, charge per baryon ${\mathit{f}}_{\mathit{q}}$≊-0.1 to 0, and baryon density 2.5–3 times that of ordinary nuclei. For A≥6, we obtain stable combinations involving only {Λ,${\mathrm{\Xi }}^0$,${\mathrm{\Xi }}^{\mathrm{-}}$} hyperons.