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Free keywords:
Astrophysics, High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena, astro-ph.HE
MPINP:
CTA - Abteilung Hofmann
Abstract:
We perform simulations of Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) observations of a
young supernova remnant RX J1713.7-3946. This target is not only one of the
brightest sources ever discovered in very high-energy gamma rays but also well
observed in other wavebands. In X-rays, the emission is dominated by
synchrotron radiation, which links directly to the existence of high-energy
electrons. Radio observations of CO and HI gas have revealed a highly
inhomogeneous medium surrounding the SNR, such as clumpy molecular clouds.
Therefore gamma rays from hadronic interactions are naturally expected.
However, the spectrum in GeV energy range measured by Fermi/LAT indicates more
typical of leptonic emission from accelerated electrons. Despite lots of
multi-wavelength information, the competing interpretations have led to much
uncertainty in the quest of unraveling the true origin of the gamma-ray
emission from RX~J1713.7--3946. CTA will achieve highest performance ever in
sensitivity, angular resolution, and energy resolution. We estimate CTA
capability to examine the emission mechanisms of the gamma rays through
simulated spatial distribution, spectra, and their time variation.
