IMF biases and how to correct them
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We discuss possible sources of biases in the determination of the initial mass function (IMF) introduced by the binning of the data, the uncertainty in the determinations of masses, and the existence of unresolved multiple systems. Those three effects tend to produce IMFs that are flatter than the real one. We analyze the importance of each effect and suggest techniques that minimize or eliminate the biases. We also report the detection of the first astrometric binary system composed of two very-early O-type stars, HD 93129 A.
14 pages, 8 figures. To appear in Resolved Stellar Populations, meeting held in Cancún, Mexico, 18-22 April 2005, D. Valls-Gavaud & M. Chávez (eds.)
14 pages, 8 figures. To appear in Resolved Stellar Populations, meeting held in Cancún, Mexico, 18-22 April 2005, D. Valls-Gavaud & M. Chávez (eds.)