The properties of NICI in its imaging modes are summarized in the following sections. NICI consists of an 85-element curvature adaptive optics (AO) unit and a dual-channel science camera with 2 InSb Aladdin III detectors sensitive to 1-5 µm. The science camera contains focal plane and pupil plane masks for coronagraphy, and beam splitters and filters for simultaneous differential imaging in both channels. The primary modes which will be available after initial commissioning are:

• Coronagraphic imaging with a variety of focal plane and pupil masks. Beamsplitters and filters are provided for simultaneous differential imaging in the methane absorption bandhead at 1.6 µm.
• Direct (non-coronagraphic) natural guide star adaptive-optics imaging with a variety of broad- and narrow-band filters.