The Fundamental Properties of Dwarf Elliptical Galaxies in Clusters

We present preliminary results of an extensive study of the fundamental properties of dwarf elliptical galaxies (dEs) in the Coma cluster. Our study will combine HST surface photometry with ground-based UBRIJK photometry and optical spectroscopy. The combined data set will be used to investigate the intrinsic correlations among global parameters in cluster dEs, including the Fundamental Plane, the color-magnitude relation, the Faber-Jackson and Kormendy relation, and velocity dispersion versus line strength indices. These empirical correlations have provided important constraints to theoretical models of galaxy formation and evolution for "normal" elliptical galaxies. Although dEs are the most abundant galaxy population in clusters their properties remain, however, largely unknown. Our study aims to provide an essential reference for testing current theories on the formation and evolution of dEs in clusters, and understanding their relation to more massive elliptical galaxies.