Radial shape of the ΛN force

The ground state B/sub Λ/ data of some A≥5 hypernuclei are analyzed in a folding model approach using a density dependent effective ΛN force. Three different radial forms, namely a Yukawa, exponential, and Urbana-type form factor for the shape of the ΛN force are considered. Of the three, the Urbana-type emerges as the most appropriate for the ΛN force. The value of the range parameter obtained with this form corresponds to 2π exchange. The Yukawa form, although it does not explain the data well, seems to be quite close to the actual radial shape of the force. The exponential form is found inadequate