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C. Ftaclas (Physics Department, Michigan Tech), D. Toomey (Mauna Kea Infrared)
We are designing a new coronagraphic instrument for the Gemini South Observatory. It will combine several powerful features directed specifically at studying planetary origins. It will be a facility class instrument with its own optimized dedicated AO system feeding a coronagraph with two separate imaging channels. With 25 filters in each channel, up to eight channel splitting options and several occulting mask and Lyot stop options, it represents an extremely flexible instrument that can be configured for many different types of problems. The dual channel camera is specifically designed to enhance detection of faint sources by channel differencing since it assures an identical atmospheric seeing record in each channel. We will discuss the instrument philosophy and design, and present expected performance levels.