Single- and Double-$Λ$ Hypernuclear Correlations Calibrate $ΛΛ$ Interaction Energies

Abstract

Double-$Λ$ hypernuclei are essential for probing the $ΛΛ$ interaction in the double-strangeness $S=-2$ sector, yet the scarcity of experimental data severely limits systematic predictions. We present an evaluation framework based on nuclear many-body theory that exploits the intrinsic structural similarity between single-$Λ$ and double-$Λ$ systems to transfer empirical constraints from the well-mapped $S = -1$ sector to the $S = -2$ sector. By analyzing theoretical deviations of binding energies in light single- and double-$Λ$ hypernuclei, we identify a robust linear correlation between two sectors. This correlation enables a statistical evaluation of double-$Λ$ separation energies ($B_{ΛΛ}$) and $ΛΛ$ interaction energies ($ΔB_{ΛΛ}$) for heavier double-$Λ$ hypernuclei, by drawing on a wealth of empirical data from the single-$Λ$ sector with quantified uncertainties. Our results show that evaluated $ΔB_{ΛΛ}$ values, while consistent with existing data, are systematically larger than direct relativistic density functional predictions constrained only by the NAGARA event. This discrepancy suggests that standard mean-field-based extrapolations may underestimate $ΛΛ$ correlations and other many-body effects, motivating an evaluation-based correction that offers crucial benchmarks for future $S = -2$ experiments at facilities such as HIAF and J-PARC.