The Short-Period Binary Frequency Among Low-Mass Pre-Main Sequence Stars

Abstract

The pre-main sequence (PMS) binary frequency is a fundamental datum in the study of binary formation. It reflects on numerous basic issues, such as:• The formation process. Binary stars are the primary branch of the star-formation process, and thus their frequency is an essential challenge to star-formation theories. (Indeed, the infrequency of single-star formation is likely as significant as the binary frequency.)• The epoch of binary formation. Assessing whether the binary population exists in total by the pre-main sequence phase sets an upper limit on the binary formation timescale.• Early period evolution. The frequency distribution as a function of period of PMS binaries, when compared to the distribution at the zero-age main sequence, can shed light on early orbital evolution.• The interaction of binaries with disks. The formation and consequent dynamical evolution of a binary with semi-major axis less than typical disk radii must substantially modify disk structures and accretion flows. Thus the binary frequency might differ between PMS stars with and without associated disks.