Program: GS-2007B-Q-203

We propose T-ReCS imaging of nearby LINER galaxies to search for signatures of dusty tori in their nuclei. Models which propose that the torus originates in a dusty accretion disk wind clearly predict that low-luminosity objects such as AGN-containing LINERs will not harbour nuclear tori, because the mass accretion rates onto these nuclei are insufficient to power optically thick dusty outflows. To test this prediction we will search for the mid-IR emission expected from dust in close proximity to and reprocessing radiation from the AGN in these galaxies, and compare the IR luminosities and SEDs with our clumpy torus models and with SEDs of Seyfert galaxies. IR emission comparable to the models and higher-luminosity AGN would indicate significant torus emission, contrary to the disk wind model, whereas much lower luminosities would agree well with the disk wind model's predictions. The spatial resolution attainable in ground-based MIR images, which we will combine with archival HST NIR data, is necessary to ensure that measurements of the SED of the putative tori are not compromised by extended emission from stars and dust not directly associated with the torus.