Integrated experiments for heavy ion fusion

We describe the next set of experiments proposed in the U.S. Heavy Ion Fusion Virtual National Laboratory, the so-called Integrated Beam Experiment (IBX). The purpose of IBX is to investigate in an integrated manner the processes and manipulations necessary for a heavy ion fusion induction accelerator. The IBX experiment will demonstrate injection, acceleration, compression, bending, and final focus of a heavy ion beam at significant line charge density. Preliminary conceptual designs are presented and issues and trade-offs are discussed. Plans are also described for the step after IBX, the Integrated Research Experiment (IRE), which will carry out significant target experiments.