The Mid-infrared Fine-structure Lines of Neon as an Indicator of Star Formation Rate in Galaxies

The fine-structure lines of singly ([Ne II] 12.8 μm) and doubly ([Ne III] 15.6 μm) ionized neon are among the most prominent features in the mid-infrared spectra of star-forming regions, and have the potential to be a powerful new indicator of the star formation rate in galaxies. Using a sample of star-forming galaxies with measurements of the fine-structure lines available from the literature, we show that the sum of the [Ne II] and [Ne III] luminosities obeys a tight, linear correlation with the total infrared luminosity, over 5 orders of magnitude in luminosity. We discuss the formation of the lines and their relation with the Lyman continuum luminosity. A simple calibration between star formation rate and the [Ne II] +[Ne III] luminosity is presented. Subject headings: galaxies: ISM — galaxies: starburst — infrared: galaxies