Experimental Progress in Deep and Broadband Infrared Nulling for TPF-I

Our activities are focused upon the experimental demonstration of deep nulling in the mid-IR over a wide bandpass. Specifically, our near-term goal is demonstrating a contrast of 10$^{-6}$ at 10 $\mu$m with a 25% spectral bandwidth. To meet this goal, several areas of technology development are required. These include: single-mode infrared fibers, bright infrared sources, laser path-length and tip/tilt metrology, and improvements to detection sensitivity. Progress in each of these areas of technical development will be reviewed as well as their impact on the overarching technical milestones.