Our new, deep, high resolution H-alpha and matching R-band UKST
multi-exposure stack of the central 25 sq. degrees of the LMC promises to
provide an unprecedented homogeneous sample of >1,000 new PNe. Our preliminary
2dF spectroscopy on the AAT has vindicated our selection process and confirmed
136 new PNe and 57 emission-line stars out of a sample of 263 candidate sources
within an initial 2.5 sq. deg. area. To date approximately one third of the
entire LMC has been scanned for candidates (~7.5 sq.deg.). More than 750 new
emission sources have been catalogued so far along with independent
re-identification of all known and possible PNe found from other surveys. Once
our image analysis is complete, we plan comprehensive spectroscopic follow-up
of the whole sample, not only to confirm our PN candidates but also to derive
nebula temperatures and densities which, with the aid of photoionization
modeling, will yield stellar parameters which are vital for constructing H-R
diagrams for these objects. A prime objective of the survey is to produce a
Luminosity Function which will be the most accurate and comprehensive ever
derived in terms of numbers, magnitude range and evolutionary state; offering
significant new insights into the LMC's evolutionary history. The observation
and measurement of our newly discovered AGB halos around 60% of these PN will
also assist in determining the initial- to final-mass ratios for this phase of
stellar evolution.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures, LaTeX, to be published in Proceedings of the ESO
workshop on Planetary Nebulae beyond the Milky Way held at ESO, Garching, May
19-21, 200