The Starburst IMF -- An Impossible Measurement?
arXiv:astro-ph/0410513 · doi:10.1007/978-1-4020-3407-7_46
Abstract
The starburst IMF is probably as much of theoretical interest and practical relevance as it is a subject of observational controversy. In this conference paper we review the most common methods (star counts, dynamical masses, and line ratios) to derive or constrain the IMF, and discuss potential problems and shortcomings that often lead to claims of anomalous IMF slopes and mass cut-offs.
8 pages, to appear in IMFat50: The Initial Mass Function 50 years later, ed: E. Corbelli, F. Palla, and H. Zinnecker, Kluwer `Academic Publishers; a meeting held at the Abbazia di Spineto, Tuscany, Italy -- May 16-20, 2004