Design, Simulation and Construction of MuSIC@Indiana

Fusion of neutron-rich nuclei is presently a topic of considerable interest. The most neutron-rich beams delivered by radioactive beam facilities however are typically available only at low intensities (\textless 1000 ions/s). At energies above the fusion barrier, a \textbf{Mu}ltiple \textbf{S}ampling \textbf{I}onization \textbf{C}hamber (\textbf{MuSIC}) acting as an active target provides an effective means of measuring the fusion excitation function with such low-intensity beams. The advantages and limitations of this approach will be discussed. The design, construction and initial testing of MuSIC@Indiana will be detailed. Simulations of the detector performance will be described and initial preparations to measure fusion of $^{\mathrm{19,20,21}}$O $+ \quad^{\mathrm{12}}$C will be summarized.