Plans for near-term neutralized drift compression experiments

One approach to target heating experiments with space-charge dominated ion beams is to simultaneously longitudinally bunch and transversely focus the beam. Axial compression leading to $\sim $100X current amplification and simultaneous radial focusing have led to encouraging energy deposition approaching, but still short of, intensities required for eV-range target heating experiments. We discuss the status of several improvements and associated beam diagnostics that are under development to reach the higher beam intensities, including: (1) greater axial compression via a higher $\Delta $v/v velocity ramp using a new bunching module; (2) improved centroid control via beam steering dipoles; (3) time-dependent focusing elements to correct considerable chromatic aberrations; and (4) plasma injection improvements to maintain a plasma density always greater than the beam density.