Multi-K nuclei and kaon condensation

We extend previous relativistic mean-field (RMF) calculations of multi-K nuclei, using vector boson fields with SU(3) PPV coupling constants and scalar boson fields constrained phenomenologically. For a given core nucleus, the resulting K separation energy BK, as well as the associated nuclear and K-meson densities, saturate with the number κ of K mesons for κ>κsat∼10. Saturation appears robust against a wide range of variations, including the RMF nuclear model used and the type of boson fields mediating the strong interactions. Because BK generally does not exceed 200 MeV, it is argued that multi-K nuclei do not compete with multihyperonic nuclei in providing the ground state of strange hadronic configurations and that kaon condensation is unlikely to occur in strong-interaction self-bound strange hadronic matter. Last, we explore possibly self-bound strange systems made of neutrons and K0 mesons, or protons and K- mesons, and study their properties