A detailed study of the gamma-ray supernova remnant RX J1713.7-3946 with H.E.S.S.

The H.E.S.S. telescope system -- an array of four imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes situated in Namibia -- aims at exploring non-thermal processes in the universe by means of very-high-energy (VHE) gamma rays. Its large field of view combined with unprecedented sensitivity enables detailed spectral and morphological studies of extended VHE gamma-ray sources. The shell-type supernova remnant RX J1713.7-3946 is such a source. It is located in the Galactic plane, constellation scorpius, and has a diameter of 1 degree. H.E.S.S. observations of this source were conducted in 2003, 2004, and 2005. A thorough discussion of the methodology of the analysis of (extended) VHE gamma-ray sources is given. The systematic uncertainties involved in different stages of the analysis are explored. Detailed morphological and spectral studies reveal the VHE aspects of RX J1713.7-3946. Gamma rays are detected throughout the whole remnant. The emission resembles a shell structure strikingly similar to the X-ray image. The differential gamma-ray spectrum is measured over a large energy range, no spatial variation is found. The data recorded in three different years are in good agreement. The origin of the gamma-ray emission is discussed for a leptonic and a hadronic scenario. The latter case is favoured, but no decisive conclusion can be drawn