Overview and prospects of the LBTI beyond the completed HOSTS survey

Abstract

The Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer (LBTI) combines the light from the two 8.4 m primary mirrors of the LBT for interferometry and adaptive optics (AO) imaging. With two high performance, state-of-the-art AO systems and adaptive secondary mirrors, a cryogenic instrument, and an edge-to-edge baseline of 23 m, the LBTI is a unique instrument for sensitive, high-angular resolution and high-contrast thermal infrared observations. After the successful completion of the NASA-funded HOSTS nulling interferometry survey for exozodiacal dust, our team is now completing the commissioning and extending the capabilities of other observing modes, namely Fizeau imaging interferometry, spectro-interferometry, integral field spectroscopy, non-redundant aperture masking, and coronagraphy for general astronomical observations. In this paper we briefly review the design of the LBTI, summarize the results and performance of HOSTS, and describe the LBTI's wider current and future capabilities.