$\Lambda$ and $\bar{\Lambda}$ Production in Central Pb-Pb Collisions at 40, 80, and 158 A$\cdot$GeV

Production of Lambda and Antilambda hyperons was measured in central Pb-Pb collisions at 40, 80, and 158 A$\cdot$GeV beam energy on a fixed target. Transverse mass spectra and rapidity distributions are given for all three energies. The $\Lambda/\pi$ ratio at mid-rapidity and in full phase space shows a pronounced maximum between the highest AGS and 40 A$\cdot$GeV SPS energies, whereas the $\bar{\Lambda}/\pi$ ratio exhibits a monotonic increase.