  We identify the desired characteristics and parameters of a beta>1 magnetized
plasma, possibly with highly tangled, open field lines, that could be a
suitable target to be compressed to fusion conditions by a spherically
imploding plasma liner [S. C. Hsu et al., IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci. 40, 1287
(2012)] formed by merging hypersonic plasma jets. This concept is known as
plasma-jet-driven magneto-inertial fusion (PJMIF). We set requirements on the
target and liner such that (a) compressional heating dominates over thermal
transport in the target, and (b) magnetic amplification due to compression
dominates over dissipation over the entire implosion. We also evaluate the
requirements to avoid drift-instability-induced anomalous transport and
current-driven anomalous resistivity in the target. Next, we describe possible
approaches to create such a magnetized, beta>1 plasma target. Finally, assuming
such a target can be created, we evaluate the feasibility of a proof-of-concept
experiment using presently achievable plasma jets to demonstrate target
compressional heating at a plasma-liner kinetic energy of <~ 100 kJ (a few
hundred times below that needed in a PJMIF reactor).
