Stellar features in integrated starburst spectra as stellar population diagnostics

Abstract

We review the main stellar features observed in starburst spectra from the UV to the near-IR and their use as fundamental tools to determine the properties of stellar populations from integrated spectra. The origin and dependence of the features on stellar properties are discussed, and we summarise existing modeling techniques used for quantitative analysis. Recent results from studies based on UV, optical and near-IR observations of starbursts and active galaxies are summarised. Finally, we briefly discuss combined starburst + photoionisation models including also observations from nebular emission lines. The present review is complementary to the recent summary by Schaerer (2000) (http://xxx.lpthe.jussieu.fr/abs/astro-ph/0007307) discussing more extensively nebular analysis of starbursts and related objects.