STRONG-INTERACTIONS IN HADRONIC ATOMS

Recent results of fits to comprehensive sets of K-, Sigma(-) and (p) o ver bar atom data in terms of density-dependent optical potentials are described and discussed. The introduction of density dependence impro ves significantly the fit to the data in K- and Sigma(-) atoms and lea ds to some novel results. For K- atoms, a substantial attraction of or der 200 MeV at nuclear matter densities is predicted, with interesting repercussions on (K) over bar condensation and on the evolution of st rangeness in high-density stars. For Sigma(-) atoms the fitted potenti al, which is attractive outside the nuclear surface, becomes repulsive on the nuclear surface and inside, indicating that Sigma hyperons, ge nerally, do not bind in nuclei. For (p) over bar atoms it is found tha t a reasonable p-wave strength can be accommodated into the fitted opt ical potential.