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| Paper: |
The ISM in Starburst Galaxies: Constraints from ISO Spectroscopy |
| Volume: |
132, Star Formation with the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) |
| Page: |
89 |
| Authors: |
Lutz, D.; Genzel, R.; Kunze, D.; Spoon, H. W. W.; Sturm, E.; Sternberg, A.; Moorwood, A. F. M. |
| Abstract: |
We present observations of starburst galaxies obtained with the ISO Short Wavelength Spectrometer SWS. The spectrum of the prototypical starburst M 82 is discussed. Ratios between mid-infrared fine structure emission lines of different excitation provide a new tool to study the hot star population of obscured starbursts. The observations are consistent with plausible star forming histories and initial mass functions extending up to at least 50 solar masses. A new density diagnostic based on mid-infrared [Fe,II] lines questions the interpretation of [Fe,II] emission as collisionally excited in supernova-remnant shocks. Very weak [OIV] emission is detected in some starburst galaxies. Spatially resolved data for M82 demonstrate that it originates in starburst-related processes (shocks, very hot stars) rather than in a faint AGN. |
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