Mid-infrared interferometry on the Chajnantor plateau: the ALIRA project

We propose here to extend ALMA toward the mid-IR wavelength band. We discuss technical aspects and show a scientific breakthrough which would come out of that extension. On the technical side, we consider in particular the following problems raised by its implementation: -Telescope coupling -Beam transportation -Optical pathlength control Alternatively, a solution using heterodyne detection could be considered. As for the scientific programs which could benefit from this proposal, we consider essentially the investigation of extrasolar planets.