Deuteron-Ξ correlation function studied with three-body model

Many-baryon forces play a crucial role in shaping the structure and dynamics of many-baryon systems. Utilizing three-body correlation functions in femtoscopy offers a promising tool for probing three-baryon forces. However, the dynamics of three-body systems necessary for obtaining these correlation functions remains incompletely understood. In this study, we employ the continuum-discretized coupled channels method, a precise and cost-effective three-body model, to explore the influence of deuteron excitation to its continuum states on the deuteron-Ξ correlation function. Our findings reveal that the deuteron-Ξ interaction derived from lattice quantum chromodynamics does not yield a bound state. Moreover, we determine that the effect of deuteron excitation leads to less than a 10% increase in the correlation function, suggesting the predominance of direct deuteron formation through heavy-ion collisions. Overall, our work lays the groundwork for further investigations aimed at elucidating many-baryon forces.