The young star cluster system in the Antennae : evidence for a turnover in the luminosity function

Abstract

The luminosity functions (LFs) of star cluster (SC) systems (i.e. the number of clusters per luminosity interval) are vital diagnostics to probe the conditions of SC formation. Early studies have revealed a clear dichotomy between old globular clusters and young clusters, with the former characterized by Gaussian-shaped LFs, and the latter following a power law. Recently, this view was challenged by studies of galaxy merger remnants and post-starburst galaxies. In this paper, we re-evaluate the young (