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Determining Star Formations Rates: Methods and Uncertainties

Daniel Schaerer

astro-pharXiv:astro-ph/9906014

Abstract

Methods for the determination of star formation rates (SFR) from integrated populations are reviewed. We discuss the assumptions and underlying uncertainties (e.g. IMF slope, Mup, metallicity, SF history etc.) used in the calibrations of UV, FIR, Halpha, and [OII] indicators. The ``universality'' of empirically calibrated indicators such as [OII] is examined. We also present preliminary results from a theoretical study with the aim to understand the systematics of forbidden line indicators and to provide new SFR indicators including optical to far-IR lines.

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