Infrared Imaging of Embedded Clusters: Constraints for Star and Planet Formation

Since its implementation slightly more than a decade ago, astronomical imaging with near-infrared array detectors has matured into an important tool for star and planet formation studies. In this paper we briefly describe three areas of investigation where infrared imaging plays a major role in advancing the understanding of star and planet formation. We highlight recent findings derived from imaging studies of embedded clusters in local star formation regions which concern: 1) the spatial distributions of young stellar objects, 2) the nature of the IMF, and 3) the frequency and evolution of circumstellar disks. The significance of embedded clusters as laboratories for star formation research is illustrated by each of these examples.