Stellar multiplicity and debris discs

In total, we identify 188 (42 per cent) binary or multiple star systems. The multiplicity of the sample is examined with regards to the detection of circumstellar discs for stars of spectral types AFGK. In general, discs are less commonly detected around binaries than single stars, though the disc frequency is comparable among A stars regardless of multiplicity.

However, this sample reveals the period distribution of disc-bearing binaries is consistent with that of non-disc binaries and with comparison field samples. We find that the properties of discs in binary systems are not statistically different from those around single stars. Although the frequency of disc-bearing FGK binaries may be lower than in single star systems, the processes behind disc formation and the characteristics of these discs are comparable among both populations.