Probing the intermediate-mass regime of star formation

The initial mass function (IMF) of stars is a fundamental global output of the star formation process, and the question of its origin and universality has been a long-standing open issue. While the base of the IMF (0.1 to 1 Msun) may result from Jeans-like fragmentation of interstellar filaments, the problem of how the most extreme stellar objects (brown dwarfs, intermediate- and high-mass stars) build up their masses remains unsettled. The high-sensitivity and fast mapping capability of instruments such as the 1.2/2mm NIKA2 camera on the IRAM 30m and the 350/450micron ArTeMIS camera on APEX offer the unique opportunity to detect large populations of low-brightness sources, and probe star-forming regions as never before.
The student will use data from both instruments (via the GASTON and CAFFEINE programmes, PI: Peretto) to map the intertwined populations of interstellar filaments and intermediate to high-mass cores within galactic plane star-forming regions. These data will reveal, for the first time, a new population of intermediate-mass cores that has never been studied before. This regime is fundamental to our understanding of star formation as it is where the overlap between core-fed and clump-fed star-formation scenarios overlap. Altogether, these observations will provide new insight on the earliest stages of star formation.

Consideration is automatic upon application for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Physics and Astronomy with an October 2019 start date.

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