Broadband imaging of a large sample of irregular galaxies

We present the results of UBV imaging of a large sample of irregular galaxies: 94 Im systems, 24 blue compact dwarfs (BCDs), and 18 Sm galaxies. We also include JHK imaging of 42 of these galaxies. The sample spans a large range in galactic parameters. Ellipse fit axial ratios, inclinations, and position angles are derived, integrated photometry and azimuthally averaged surface photometry profiles are determined, and exponential fits give the central surface brightnesses, scale lengths, and isophotal and half-power radii. These data are used to address the shapes of Im galaxies, look for clues to past interactions in large-scale peculiarities, examine the nature and consequences of bars, study color gradients and large-scale color variations, and compare the exponential disk profiles of the young and old stellar components. For example, color gradients exhibit a great variety and not all passbands are correlated. Bars are associated with higher star formation rates. Many irregulars show a double-exponential radial light profile that is steeper in the outer parts, and these are reproduced by a new model of star formation that is discussed in a companion paper. Some galaxies, primarily BCDs, have double exponentials that are steeper (and bluer) in the inner parts, presumably from centralized star formation. Im-type galaxies have thicker, less prominent dust layers than spiral galaxies because of their lower average surface densities and midplane extinctions.