Hypernuclear physics with electron beams: Exclusive and inclusive excitations

We discuss the importance of the A(e,e’ ${\mathrm{K}}^{+}$ ${)}_{\mathrm{\Lambda }}$ ${\mathrm{A}}^{\mathrm{*}}$ in hypernuclear physics, comparing it with the A(${\mathrm{K}}^{\mathrm{-}}$,${\pi }^{\mathrm{-}}$ ${)}_{\Lambda }$ $A^{\mathrm{*}}$ reaction and suggesting problems that can preferentially be studied with the (e,e’ ${\mathrm{K}}^{+}$) probe. Cross sections are given for exclusive and inclusive processes for a large range of nuclear masses. The elementary process p(e,e’ ${\mathrm{K}}^{+}$)Λ is not well known, and the coupling constants and electromagnetic moments are discussed.