The Local Luminosity Function at 25 Microns
  The local luminosity function at 25 $\mu$m provides the basis for interpreting the results of deep mid-infrared surveys planned or in progress with space astrophysics missions including ISO, WIRE and SIRTF. We have selected a sample of 1458 galaxies from the IRAS Faint Source Survey with a flux density limit of 250 mJy at 25 $\mu$m. The local luminosity function is derived using both parametric and non-parametric maximum-likelihood techniques, and the classical $1/V_{max}$ estimator. Comparison of these results shows that the $1/V_{max}$ estimate of the luminosity function is significantly affected by the Local Supercluster. A maximum-likelihood fit to the radial density shows no systematic increase that would be caused by density evolution of the galaxy population. The density fit is used to correct the $1/V_{max}$ estimate. We also demonstrate the high quality and completeness of our sample by a variety of methods. The luminosity function derived from this sample is compared to previously published estimates, showing the prior estimates to have been strongly affected by the Local Supercluster. Our new luminosity function leads to lower estimates of mid-infrared backgrounds and number counts. 
David L. Shupe, Fan Fang, Perry B. Hacking, John P. Huchra