Wolf-Rayet Stars as IMF Probes
arXiv:astro-ph/0408485 · doi:10.1007/978-1-4020-3407-7_49
Abstract
Wolf-Rayet stars are the evolved descendents of massive stars. Their extraordinary properties make them useful tracers of the stellar initial mass function (IMF) in a young stellar population. I discuss how the interpretation of spectral diagnostics are complicated by the interplay of stellar, nebular, and dust properties. There is mounting observational evidence for spatial inhomogeneities in the gas and dust distribution. The interplay of these inhomogeneities can significantly alter frequently used star-formation and IMF indicators. Specific examples presented in this contribution are the starburst galaxies NGC 1614, NGC 2798, and NGC 3125.
6 pages, 3 figures; in IMF@50, ed. E. Corbelli, F. Palla, & H. Zinnecker (Dordrecht: Kluwer), in press