Summary
The Antarctic Plateau Interferometer (API) is an instrument concept capable of extensive unique discovery space science in a variety of areas including exoplanets, accretion, YSO's, and AGNs. To study exoplanets in the habitable zone, API would use three 2 meter class telescopes, high-dynamic range spectroscopy, and differential closure phase to achieve 10-5 contrast ratio measurements. API would achieve this performance using proven technology at the best accessible site on Earth for infrared interferometry. At Dome C Antarctica, the combination of low levels of atmospheric turbulence (resulting in the best seeing ever measured) and low thermal background enable an interferometer with 2 m class telescopes to exceed substantially the performance of existing instruments. API will be packaged in shipping containers so that the instrument can be demonstrated on the sky in the northern hemisphere and then shipped, with a minimum of disassemble, to Dome C. The combination of using existing interferometer technology (adapted to the Antarctic environment) and containerized packaging makes it possible to begin operation at Dome C in 5 years. In addition to delivering a high-impact science program, API could test instrument technology for space interferometry missions such as Darwin and TPFI.