Artificial intelligence pioneers the double-strangeness factory

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming not only our daily experiences but also the technological development landscape and scientific research. In this study, we pioneered the application of AI in double-strangeness hypernuclear studies. These studies—which investigate quantum systems with strangeness via hyperon interactions—provide insights into fundamental baryon-baryon interactions and contribute to our understanding of the nuclear force and composition of neutron star cores. Specifically, we report the observation of a double-Λ hypernucleus in nuclear emulsion achieved via innovative integration of machine learning techniques. The proposed methodology leverages generative AI and Monte Carlo simulations to produce training datasets combined with object detection AI for effective event identification. Based on the kinematic analysis and charge identification, the observed event was uniquely identified as the production and decay of 13ΛΛB, resulting from Ξ− capture by 14N in the nuclear emulsion. Assuming Ξ− capture in the atomic 3D state, the binding energy of the two Λ hyperons in 13ΛΛB, BΛΛ, was determined as 25.57 ± 1.18(stat.) ± 0.07(syst.) MeV. The ΛΛ interaction energy ∆BΛΛ obtained was 2.83 ± 1.18(stat.) ± 0.14(syst.) MeV. This study marks a new era in double-strangeness research.