The Impact of Binaries on the Stellar Initial Mass Function

Understand

(abridged) The stellar initial mass function (IMF) can be conveniently represented as a canonical two-part power law function and is largely invariant for star formation regions evident in the Local Group of galaxies.

• The IMF is a hilfskonstrukt.
• It is a mathematical formulation of an idealised population of stars formed together in one star formation event.
• The nature of the IMF (is it a probability density or an optimal sampling distribution function?) is raised.