Imaging Very High Energy Gamma-Ray Telescopes

TL;DR

This paper reviews the principles, recent developments, and scientific results of ground-based imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes for very high energy gamma-ray astronomy, highlighting the H.E.S.S. array and future prospects.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the physical principles, recent scientific findings, and upcoming instrumental advancements in VHE gamma-ray telescopes.

Findings

Spectral and morphological analysis of a supernova remnant in VHE gamma-rays.

Survey results revealing diverse non-thermal sources in the Galactic Plane.

Discussion of technological developments for future gamma-ray telescopes.

Abstract

The technique of gamma-ray astronomy at very high energies (VHE: > 100 GeV) with ground-based imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes is described, the H.E.S.S. array in Namibia serving as example. Mainly a discussion of the physical principles of the atmospheric Cherenkov technique is given, emphasizing its rapid development during the last decade. The present status is illustrated by two examples: the spectral and morphological characterization in VHE gamma-rays of a shell-type supernova remnant together with its theoretical interpretation, and the results of a survey of the Galactic Plane that shows a large variety of non-thermal sources. The final part is devoted to an overview of the ongoing and future instrumental developments.