Detection of multiple stellar systems from single-epoch photometry (PHOT2BIN)

Multiple stellar systems and specifically binary stars are abundant in the Galaxy, which has profound consequences for astrophysical studies. Conventional approaches to detection of binary stars (astrometry, eclipses, spectroscopy) are influenced by different incompleteness biases, commonly due to unfavourable orbital periods or inclination. However, the shape of a binary system's combined spectral energy distribution (SED) differs from that of any single star's SED. Here we propose an exploratory study to check whether the exquisite precision of modern single-epoch photometry enables constraining the SED shape in order to identify and characterise binary stars. This approach is complementary to the current techniques and has the potential to significantly increase the number of sources that are recognised as binary stars. This will benefit the results of the Gaia and future GaiaNIR and PLATO missions.