Imaging beyond the fringe: an update on the LINC-NIRVANA Fizeau interferometer for the LBT

We present an update on the construction and integration of LINC-NIRVANA, a Fizeau-mode imaging interferometer for the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT). The LBT is a unique platform for interferometry, since its two, co-mounted 8.4 meter primary mirrors present an orientation-independent entrance pupil. This allows Fizeau-mode beam combination, providing 23-meter spatial resolution and 12-meter effective collecting area for panoramic imagery LINC-NIRVANA will sit at one of the shared, bent focal stations, receiving light from both mirrors of the LBT. The instrument uses visible wavelength radiation for wavefront control, and the near-infrared bands for science and fringe tracking. LINC-NIRVANA employs a number of innovative technologies, including multi-conjugated adaptive optics, state-of-the-art materials, low vibration mechanical coolers, active and passive control, and sophisticated software for data analysis. The instrument is in its final construction and integration phase. This paper reports on overall progress, including insights gained on large instrument assembly, software integration, science planning, and vibration control. A number of additional contributions to this conference focus on individual subsystems and integration-related issues