International Conference on Science and Technology for FAIR in Europe 2014

Knowledge of basic physical properties of matter under extreme conditions of high energy density, and in particular, of the so-called warm dense matter (WDM), such as equation-of-state, static and dynamic electrical conductivity and opacity is of fundamental importance for various branches of basic and applied physics. Intense beams of energetic heavy ions provide a unique capability for the WDM research compared to traditional drivers. Using intense ion beams, one can heat macroscopic volumes of matter fairly uniformly and generate this way high-density and high-entropy states. This new approach permits to explore fascinating areas of the phase diagram that are difficult to access by other means. Various physics issues of the high-energy-density (HED) physics research with intense heavy ion that is to be carried out at FAIR is presented. In particular, a special attention is given to the emerging diagnostic technique - high energy proton microscopy (HEPM). The results of the recent experiments are presented along with new developments in target and ion-beam diagnostic instruments and methods that are essential for the future HEDgeHOB experiments at FAIR.