Tribute to Tullio Bressani, Bogdan Povh and Toshimitsu Yamazaki

TL;DR

The tribute surveys the pivotal roles of Tullio Bressani, Bogdan Povh, Toshimitsu Yamazaki, and Yoshinori Akaishi in shaping Strangeness Nuclear Physics. It traces the field from the 1970s through the high-precision era of FINUDA and the J-PARC program, emphasizing key reactions such as $(K^-,\pi^-)$ and $(\pi^+,K^+)$ for hypernuclear spectroscopy and the study of deeply bound pionic atoms. It highlights Bressani’s leadership in FINUDA, Povh’s foundational hypernuclear spectroscopy work, Yamazaki’s long-standing influence on hadronic and kaonic systems, and Akaishi’s contributions to kaon-nuclear clusters and KPM. The discussion connects experimental advances with theoretical developments (e.g., $\bar{K}N$ dynamics, RMF treatments of $\Lambda^*$-rich matter) and frames ongoing questions about binding energies, widths, and the possible existence of kaonic nuclear matter, underscoring the lasting impact on current and future explorations in strange nuclear systems.

Abstract

In this HYP2025 talk I pay tribute to Tullio Bressani (1940-2024), Bogdan Povh (1932-2024) and Toshimitsu Yamazaki (1934-2025), all of whom made lasting contributions to shaping up Strangeness Nuclear Physics. Yoshinori Akaishi's (1941-2025) record is also noted.

Figures (6)

• Figure 1: $B_\Lambda$ values in $^{7}_{\Lambda}$Li to $^{208}_{~~\Lambda}$Pb from experiment, and as calculated from a 3pF WS potential, suggesting a $\Lambda$-nucleus potential depth $D_{\Lambda}\approx -30$ MeV. Figure adapted from Ref. GHM16.
• Figure 2: Tullio Bressani (1940-2024)
• Figure 3: Bogdan Povh (1932-2024)
• Figure 4: Toshimitsu Yamazaki (1934-2025)
• Figure 5: Left: binding energies (B) and widths ($\Gamma$) of 1s states in pionic atoms (Friedman & Soff FS85). Right: $\pi^-$ energy levels in $^{90}$Zr with & without Strong Interactions (Figure adapted from Toki & Yamazaki TY88).