The paper describes experiments on the generation and transport of a low energy ͑70-120 keV͒, high intensity ͑10-30 A/cm 2 ͒ microsecond duration H ϩ ion beam ͑IB͒ in vacuum and plasma. The IB was generated in a magnetically insulated diode ͑MID͒ with an applied radial B field and an active hydrogen-puff ion source. The annular IB, with an initial density of j i ϳ10-20 A/cm 2 at the anode surface, was ballistically focused to a current density in the focal plane of 50-80 A/cm 2. The postcathode collimation and transport of the converging IB were provided by the combination of a ''concave'' toroidal magnetic lens followed by a straight transport solenoid section. With optimized MID parameters and magnetic fields in the lens/solenoid system, the overall efficiency of IB transport at the exit of the solenoid 1 m from the anode was ϳ 50% with an IB current density of 20 A/cm 2. Two-dimensional computer simulations of post-MID IB transport supported the optimization of system parameters.