  Classically, optical and near-infrared interferometry have relied on closure
phase techniques to produce images. Such techniques allow us to achieve modest
dynamic ranges. In order to test the feasibility of next generation optical
interferometers in the context of the VLTI-spectro-imager (VSI), we have
embarked on a study of image reconstruction and analysis. Our main aim was to
test the influence of the number of telescopes, observing nights and
distribution of the visibility points on the quality of the reconstructed
images. Our results show that observations using six Auxiliary Telescopes (ATs)
during one complete night yield the best results in general and is critical in
most science cases; the number of telescopes is the determining factor in the
image reconstruction outcome. In terms of imaging capabilities, an optical, six
telescope VLTI-type configuration and ~200 meter baseline will achieve 4 mas
spatial resolution, which is comparable to ALMA and almost 50 times better than
JWST will achieve at 2.2 microns. Our results show that such an instrument will
be capable of imaging, with unprecedented detail, a plethora of sources,
ranging from complex stellar surfaces to microlensing events.

Astrophysics