| |
 |
| Paper: |
The Upper Initial Mass Function from Ultraviolet Spectral Lines |
| Volume: |
440, UP2010: Have Observations Revealed a Variable Upper End of the Initial Mass Function? |
| Page: |
309 |
| Authors: |
Leitherer, C. |
| Abstract: |
The space-ultraviolet wavelength region contains strong spectral lines from
massive, hot stars. These features form in winds and are sensitive to
luminosity and mass, and ultimately provide constraints on the initial mass
function. New radiation-hydrodynamical models of stellar winds are used to
construct a theoretical spectral library of massive stars for inclusion in
population synthesis. The models are compared to observations of nearby
star clusters, of starburst regions in local galaxies, and of distant
star-forming galaxies. The data are consistent with a near-universal
Salpeter-type initial mass function. We find no evidence of environmental
effects on the initial mass function. Some model deficiencies are
identified: stellar rotation and binary evolution are not accounted for and
may become increasingly important in metal-poor systems. |
|
|
|
|
|
