A kaon-nucleus absorptive potential is derived by folding the $\overline{K}N$ finite range complex potential into the nuclear density distribution. The strengths of the $\overline{K}p$ and $\overline{K}n$ potentials have been adjusted to the corresponding scattering length values and the range of the $\overline{K}N$ forces has been obtained by fitting the $\overline{K}-{}_{}{}^4{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{He}$ scattering data. The resulting $\overline{K}N$ potential with no free parameters has been used to calculate kaonic atom level shifts and widths. Within the experimental uncertainties all kaonic data can be fitted in a consistent manner.

• Received 1 July 1974

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.10.1688