演講資訊

摘要：

Observations have suggested similar shapes for the Core Mass Function (CMF) and the stellar Initial Mass Function (IMF). They both show a peak at sub-Solar mass and a powerlaw high-mass tail, and this implies a possible underlying mapping. However, the story might not be as simple as an one-to-one mapping with some certain efficiency. While there are many possible self-similar mappings to derive a powerlaw tail from another, the mass ratio between the IMF peak and that of the CMF are often used to infer the accretion efficiency. I will start this talk by reviewing our current knowledge of both mass functions. By discussing the physics governing the formation of prestellar cores and protostars, I will point out important issues that need to be taken care of when interpreting the mass functions. I will provide some possible explanations to remedy the intriguing discrepancy between the IMF peak, which seem to be universal, and the CMF peak, which seems to depend on the star-forming environment and observation resolution.