Spectral Analysis of Atmospheres by Nulling Interferometry

Nulling interferometry has often been considered as one of the most promising techniques to get spectra, in the thermal infrared spectral range, of exoplanet and particularly telluric ones. The required performance, in terms of nulling depth, spectral bandwidth and stability begins to be achievable in the laboratory. However, concrete observatory projects have strong difficulties to emerge in space agencies programs, because of mission requirements complexity. In this paper, I present the performance various scientific objectives need and the state of the art of this technique, including mission aspects. I finally propose elements that could help defining a first space mission project.