---
author:
- 'Teng Liu, Paolo Tozzi, Elena Tundo, A. Moretti, Jun-Xian Wang, Piero Rosati, Fabrizia Guglielmetti'
bibliography:
- 'voronoi.bib'
title: 'EXSdetect: an end-to-end software for extended source detection in X-ray images: application to [*Swift*]{}-XRT data'
---

[ We present a stand-alone software (named EXSdetect) for the detection of extended sources in X-ray images. Our goal is to provide a flexible tool capable of detecting extended sources down to the lowest flux levels attainable within instrumental limitations, while maintaining robust photometry, high completeness, and low contamination, regardless of source morphology. EXSdetect was developed mainly to exploit the ever-increasing wealth of archival X-ray data, but is also ideally suited to explore the scientific capabilities of future X-ray facilities, with a strong focus on investigations of distant groups and clusters of galaxies. ]{} [ EXSdetect combines a fast Voronoi tessellation code with a friends-of-friends algorithm and an automated deblending procedure. The values of key parameters are matched to fundamental telescope properties such as angular resolution and instrumental background. In addition, the software is designed to permit extensive tests of its performance via simulations of a wide range of observational scenarios. ]{} [ We applied EXSdetect to simulated data fields modeled to realistically 