Universality of the companion mass-ratio distribution

<BR /> Aims: We present new results regarding the companion mass-ratio distribution (CMRD) of stars, as a follow-up of our previous work. <BR /> Methods: We used a maximum-likelihood-estimation method to re-derive the field CMRD power law avoiding dependence on the arbitrary binning. We also considered two new surveys of multiples in the field for solar-type stars and M dwarfs to test the universality of the CMRD. <BR /> Results: We found no significant differences in the CMRD for M dwarfs and solar-type stars compared with previous results over the common mass ratio and separation range. The new best-fit power law of the CMRD in the field, combining two previous sets of data, is dN/dq ∝ q[SUP]β[/SUP], with β = 0.25 ± 0.29.