Dynamics of (K)over-bar and multi-(K)over-bar nuclei

We report on self-consistent calculations of single-K--nuclear states and multi-(K) over bar -nuclear states in C-12, O-16, Ca-40, and Pb-208 within the relativistic mean-field (RMF) approach. Gradient terms motivated by the p-wave resonance Sigma(1385) are found to play a secondary role for single-K--nuclear systems where the mean-field concept is acceptable. Significant contributions from the (K) over bar KN ->pi Lambda conversion mode, and from the nonmesonic (K) over bar NN -> YN conversion modes, which are assumed to follow a rho(2) density dependence, are evaluated for the deep binding-energy range of over 100 MeV where the decay channel (K) over barN ->pi Sigma is closed. Altogether we obtain K- total decay widths of 50-100 MeV for binding energies exceeding 100 MeV in single-K- nuclei. Multi-(K) over bar -nuclear calculations indicate that the binding energy per (K) over bar meson saturates upon increasing the number of (K) over bar mesons embedded in the nuclear medium. The nuclear and (K) over bar densities increase only moderately and are close to saturation, with no indication of any kaon-condensation precursor.