  We report on deep IR imaging of the double quasar HE 1104-1805. A new image
deconvolution technique has been applied to the data in order to optimally
combine the numerous frames obtained. The resulting J and K' images allow us to
detect and study the lensing galaxy between the two lensed QSO images. The near
infrared images not only confirm the lensed nature of this double quasar, but
also support the previous redshift estimate of z=1.66 for the lensing galaxy.
No obvious overdensity of galaxies is detected in the immediate region
surrounding the lens, down to limiting magnitudes of J=22 and K=20. The
geometry of the system, together with the time delays expected for this lensed
quasar, make HE 1104-1805 a remarkable target for future photometric monitoring
programs, for the study of microlensing and for the determination of the
cosmological parameters in the IR and optical domains.
