We have developed two-dimensional calorimetry with infrared imaging of beam targets to optimize and measure the energy-density distribution of intense ion beams. The technique, which measures a complete energy-density distribution on each machine firing, has been used to rapidly develop and characterize two very different beams—a 400 keV beam used to study materials processing and an 80 keV beam used for magnetic fusion diagnostics. Results of measurements, using this technique, varying the diode applied magnetic field strength and geometry, anode material type and configuration, and anode-cathode gap spacing are presented and correlated with other observations. An assessment of calorimeter errors due to target ablation is made by comparison with Faraday cup measurements and computer modeling of beam-target interactions. ©1997 American Institute of Physics.