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Nulling interferometry adds high-contrast capability to the high-angular resolution of astronomical interferometry. This is critical for studying planet formation at Solar-system scales and habitable zones around nearby, mature stars at thermal-infrared wavelengths. The Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer (LBTI) is so far the most successful and scientifically productive astronomical nulling interferometer. I will introduce the study of exozodiacal dust (dust in or near the habitable zone of a star) as a key science application of nulling interferometry. I will then describe the LBTI’s design and performance and summarize the results of the HOSTS survey for exozodiacal dust. I will also describe a new nulling instrument (NOTT, PI: D. Defrere) we are developing for the Very Large Telescope Interferometer that will be used to study exozodiacal dust and forming giant planets near the water ice lines of protoplanetary disks. Finally, I will pivot towards Fizeau (imaging) interferometry and it’s growing application with the LBT(I). With this technique we are working to continue LBT’s legacy as a crucial science and instrumentation pathfinder for the future 30-m-class telescopes and, in fact, to firmly establish LBT’s status as the first one of them. I will also describe opportunities for Australian researchers to get involved in LBT, either on an individual basis or as a community. |
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