Recent advances in very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray astronomy have opened a new observational window on the physics of pulsars. The high sensitivity of current imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes, and in particular of the H.E.S.S. array, has already led to the discovery of about a dozen VHE-emitting pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe) and PWN candidates. These include the plerions in the composite supernova remnants MSH 15-52, G21.5-0.9, Kes 75, and Vela, two sources in the Kookaburra, and the nebula of PSR B1823-13. This VHE emission is generally interpreted as inverse Compton emission from the relativistic electrons and positrons accelerated by the pulsar and its wind; as such, it can yield a more direct spatial and spectral view of the accelerated particles than can be inferred from observations of their synchrotron emission. The VHE-emitting PWNe detected by the H.E.S.S. telescopes are reviewed and the implications for pulsar physics discussed.

This thesis is a comprehensive work that addresses many of the open questions currently being discusssed in the very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray community. It presents a detailed description of the MAGIC telescope together with a glimpse of the future Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA). One section is devoted to the design, development and characterization of trigger systems for current and future imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes. The book also features a state-of-the-art description of pulsar wind nebula (PWN) systems, the study of the multi-TeV spectrum of the Crab nebula, as well as the discovery of VHE gamma rays at the multiwavelength PWN 3C 58, which were sought at these wavelengths for more than twenty years. It also includes the contextualization of this discovery amongst the current population of VHE gamma-ray PWNe. Cataclysmic variable stars represent a new source of gamma ray energies, and are also addressed here. In closing, the thesis reports on the systematic search for VHE gamma-ray emissions of AE Aquarii in a multiwavelength context and the search for VHE gamma-ray variability of novae during outbursts at different wavelengths.

Pulsars energise particles into lighthouse pencil beams and create extended relativistic outflows, pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe). In the very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray wave band, these PWNe represent to date the most populous class of Galactic sources. Nevertheless, the details of the energy conversion mechanisms in the vicinity of pulsars are not well understood, nor is it known which pulsars are able to drive PWNe and emit high-energy radiation. Due to its large field of view and unprecedented sensitivity, H.E.S.S. is the first instrument to allow for deep surveys of the Galactic plane in VHE gamma rays. This work presents the first ever systematic investigation of the connection of VHE gamma-ray sources and PWNe. Besides presenting two new candidate PWNe detected in this search, it is shown that pulsars with large spin-down energy flux are indeed with high probability associated with VHE gamma-ray sources, implying the existence of an efficient mechanism by which a large fraction of pulsar spin-down energy is converted into kinetic energy of particles. The results presented here make it very likely that future more sensitive VHE gamma-ray instruments will detect a rapidly increasing number of lower-luminosity PWNe.

This book provides a theoretical and observational overview of the state of the art of gamma-ray astrophysics, and their impact and connection with the physics of cosmic rays and neutrinos. With the aim of shedding new and fresh light on the problem of the nature of the gamma-ray sources, particularly those yet unidentified, this book summarizes contributions to a workshop that continues today.

The High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) - an array of four Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes located in the Khomas highlands of Namibia - explores the nonthermal universe by means of very-high-energy (VHE;>100GeV) [gamma]-ray emission. Its high sensitivity and large field-of-view make it the ideal instrument for a survey of the Milky Way in VHE [gamma]-rays. The H.E.S.S. Galactic Plane Scan resulted in the most complete view of our Galaxy achieved so far in this energy regime. The results of this extensive survey will be presented in this work. From the 45 VHE [gamma]-ray sources detected so far within the Galactic Plane, a short summary is given for the 19 sources detected within the framework of this thesis and three representative sources were analyzed in even more detail: HESS J1912+101 was detected in the vicinity of an energetic pulsar, suggesting a pulsar wind nebula origin of the [gamma]-ray emission. A clear signal of VHE [gamma]-ray emission was also detected from RCW 86, a well-known shell-type supernova remnant. And finally, HESS J1708-441 was discovered in the vicinity of the well known pulsar PSR B1706-44, but cannot be clearly associated with this strong counterpart. As the energy spectra of these sources yield most valuable information about the processes at work in the underlying astrophysical objects, extensive studies of the spectral extraction method were performed to ensure their correct determination.

The aim of the inaugural meeting of the Sant Cugat Forum on Astrophysics was to address, in a global context, the current understanding of and challenges in high-energy emissions from isolated and non-isolated neutron stars, and to confront the theoretical picture with observations of both the Fermi satellite and the currently operating ground-based Cherenkov telescopes. Participants have also discussed the prospects for possible observations with planned instruments across the multi-wavelength spectrum (e.g. SKA, LOFAR, E-VLT, IXO, CTA) and how they will impact our theoretical understanding of these systems. In keeping with the goals of the Forum, this book not only represents the proceedings of the meeting, but also a reflection on the state-of-the-art in the topic.