Surveying the Bright Stars by Optical Interferometry. II. A Volume-limited Multiplicity Survey of Main-sequence F Stars

We present the results of a multiplicity survey for a volume-limited sample of 29 main-sequence F0-G0 stars within 17 pc conducted with the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer (NPOI). Four companions were detected in previously known binary systems. The results for these stars show good agreement with previously published orbits. For one of these sources, iota Peg, the modeling of our data, which includes closure phase information, confirms the quadrant of the orbit. No new companions were detected in the sample (within separations of 3-860 mas and contrasts down to 3.5 mag at 700 nm). Combined with an extensive literature search, we provide a detailed listing of companions known around each star in the sample from prior spectroscopic and imaging/speckle observations, and we discuss the multiplicity frequency in the sample. We also discuss the prospects for future stellar multiplicity studies with the NPOI.