(K-, π-) production of nuclear (K)over-bar bound states in proton-rich systems via Λ* doorways

We propose to use the (K-, pi(-)) and (pi(+), K+) reactions to produce deeply bound nuclear K states in proton-rich systems, in which an elementary formation of A(1405) and A(1520) plays the role of a doorway state. Exotic discrete K bound systems on unbound nuclei, such as K(-)pp, K(-)ppp and K(-)pppn, are predicted to be produced, where a high-density nuclear medium is formed as a result of nuclear contraction due to the strong K--p attraction. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.