Self-consistent description of $\Lambda$ hypernuclei in the quark-meson coupling model

The quark-meson coupling model, which has been successfully used to describe the properties of both finite nuclei and infinite nuclear matter, is applied to a study of $\Lambda$ hypernuclei. With the assumption that the (self-consistent) exchanged scalar, and vector, mesons couple only to the u and d quarks, a very weak spin-orbit force in the $\Lambda$-nucleus interaction is achieved automatically. This can be interpreted as a direct consequence of the quark structure of the $\Lambda$ hyperon. Possible implications and extensions of the present investigation are also discussed