The following document lists the file abstract/GRIEKE_BRNDWRF2.abs
from catalogue VI/111.
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===================================================================== ==> In this proposal, more time is being requested for GRIEKE.BRNDWRF ===================================================================== The initial mass function contains clues to the processes regulating formation of low mass stars and substellar objects and also may be important to locating a portion of the dark matter. It is very difficult to extend the IMF of field stars into the brown dwarf regime because these objects are too cool at the age of most nearby stars. However, young brown dwarfs may be detectable in nearby, young, open clusters, of which the Pleiades is the prime example. We have developed very efficient means to use V, I, K imaging to identify brown dwarf candidates; we have used Praesepe for a test that shows that our technique compares closely with recent deep studies based on proper motions. We have used these colors to isolate a complete sample of 9 low mass brown dwarf candidates in 500 square arcmin of the Pleiades. The brown dwarf identification of these sources can be tested definitively with longer wavelength measurements with ISO.