Star cluster detection and characterization using generalized Parzen density estimation

Star cluster studies hold the key to understanding star formation, stellar evolution, and origin of galaxies. The detection and characterization of clusters depend on the underlying background density and the cluster richness. We examine the ability of the Parzen density estimation (a.k.a. Parzen windows) method, which is a generalization of the well-known star count method, to detect clusters and measure their properties. We apply it on a range of simulated and real star fields, considering square and circular windows, with and without Gaussian kernel smoothing. Our method successfully identifies clusters and we suggest an optimal standard deviation of the Gaussian Parzen window for obtaining the best estimates of these parameters. Finally, we demonstrate that the Parzen windows with Gaussian kernels are able to detect small clusters in regions of relatively high background density, where the star count method fails.