Heavy Ion Storage Rings for Atomic Physics

A survey on the presently known storage and cooler ring projects for heavy ions is given. Some characteristic features of heavy ion storage and cooling are pointed out. The influence of proposed in-ring experiments using internal atomic or electron targets, laser radiation or colliding beam techniques on the ring designs is discussed in connection with a a brief description of the heavy ion Experimental Storage Ring project ESR, which is part of the recently approved heavy ion synchrotron facility SIS/ESR at GSI/Darmstadt [1].