Based on realistic calculations for the nonmesonic decay rate of ${}_{\Lambda }^3\mathrm{H}$ we demonstrate that, in principle, it is not possible to measure the total $n$- and $p$-induced decay rates and as a consequence ${\Gamma }_n/{\Gamma }_p$ for that lightest hypernucleus. The calculations are performed with modern $\mathrm{YN}$ forces based on various meson exchanges and taking the final state interaction among the three nucleons fully into account. Our findings might have consequences also for the interpretation of experimental ${\Gamma }_n/{\Gamma }_p$ ratios for heavier hypernuclei where severe discrepancies exist to theoretical ${\Gamma }_n/{\Gamma }_p$ ratios.

• Received 31 March 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.83.3142