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Observations at mas-resolution scales and high dynamic range hold a centralplace in achieving, for instance, the spectroscopic characterization ofexo-Earths or the detailed mapping of their protoplanetary disc birthplace.Ground or space-based multi-aperture infrared interferometry is a promisingtechnique to tackle these goals. But significant efforts still need to beundertaken to achieve a simplification of these instruments if we want tocombine the light from a large number of telescopes. Integrated-optics appearsas an alternative to the current conventional designs, especially if its usecan be extended to a higher number of astronomical bands. This article reportsfor the first time the experimental demonstration of the feasibility of anintegrated-optics approach to mid-infrared beam combination for single-modestellar interferometry. We have fabricated a 2-telescope beam combinerprototype integrated on a substrate of chalcogenide glasses, a materialtransparent from 1 to 14 um. We have developed laboratory tools to characterizethe modal properties and the interferometric capabilities of our device. Weobtain fringes at 10 um and measure a mean contrast V=0.981 \pm 0.001 with highrepeatability over one week and high stability over 5h. We show experimentally- as well as on the basis of modeling considerations - that the component has asingle-mode behavior at this wavelength, which is essential to achievehigh-accuracy interferometry. From previous studies, the propagation losses areestimated to 0.5 dB/cm for such components. We also discuss possible issuesthat may impact the interferometric contrast. The IO beam combiner performswell at 10. We also anticipate the requirement of a better matching between thenumerical apertures of the component and the (de)coupling optics to optimizethe total throughput. The next step foreseen is the achievement of wide-bandinterferograms.

First fringes with an integrated-optics beam combiner at 10 um - A new step towards instrument miniaturization for mid-infrared interferometry