0120105

The most fundamental parameters in black hole (candidate) X-ray binary systems e.g. the mass accretion rate the geometry of the accretion flow the production of radio-bright jets are tied intimately to the distinct spectral and timing states observed in these sources. Yet despite study in many energy bands the mechanism(s) driving transitions between these states remains unclear. High-resolution spectroscopy of the hard-X-ray/soft-gamma-ray band is hitherto unexplored territory but there are strong indications that the answer to black hole state transitions may be contained in this domain. We have designed a program that will bring Integral to bear on the problem of black hole states supported by a global simultaneous multi-wavelength effort which spans the radio IR optical and soft X-ray bands and by a team of experienced observers and theorists. [truncated! Please see actual data for full text]