First measurement of ΛN inelastic scattering with Λ from e+e−→</…

Using an e⁺e^- collision data sample of (100.16em0ex087±44)×10⁶ J/ψ events taken at the center-of-mass energy of 3.097 GeV by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the process Λ+N→Σ⁺+X is studied for the first time employing a novel method. The Σ⁺ hyperons are produced by the collisions of Λ hyperons from J/ψ decays with nuclei in the material of the BESIII detector. The total cross section of Λ+⁹Be→Σ⁺+X is measured to be σ=(37.3±4.7±3.5) mb with Λ momenta within $[1.057,1.091]$ GeV/c, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. This analysis is the first study of Λ-nucleon interactions at an e⁺e^- collider, providing information and constraints relevant for the strong-interaction potential, the origin of color confinement, the unified model for baryon-baryon interactions, and the internal structure of neutron stars.