The Mass Function of the Arches Cluster from Gemini Adaptive Optics Data

We present the mass function (MF) of the Arches cluster obtained from ground-based adaptive optics data in comparison with results derived from HST/NICMOS data. A MF slope of Gamma = -0.8 ± 0.2 is obtained. Both datasets reveal a strong radial variation in the MF, with a flat slope in the cluster center, which increases with increasing radius.