First observation of nuclear rainbow scattering in 16O + 40Ca system

Measurements of the differential cross section of the 16O + 40Ca elastic scattering at the 16O energy 214 MeV were performed. For the first time, nuclear rainbow scattering in the 16O + 40Ca system was observed. The analysis shows that the 45° minimum in the angular distribution could be identified as an Airy supernumerary one, probably, of the third order. It corresponds to a distance of closest approach of the colliding nuclei less than 3 fm.