FPGA-Based High-Rate, High-Resolution Imaging Acquisition and Processing Solution

Detector integrated circuits in modern neutron imaging systems output copious amounts of data at high throughput ľ data are output too fast to efficiently store or interpret using standard processing and data acquisition systems. As larger detector arrays are fabricated, corresponding data throughput and required storage depths become untenable. To address this issue, a real-time acquisition and digital signal processing solution based on field programmable gate array and system-on-chip technologies will be developed to read real-time event data from an array of detector readout ASICs (application specific integrated circuits) and infer unique neutron events (position, intensity, arrival time) from corresponding clusters of raw detector hits. Data reduction on the order of 10X-100X will be accomplished via the proposed solution, dramatically reducing required downstream data throughput and storage, in turn enabling real-time acquisition and imaging with large detector arrays. Modern technologies, hardware, interfaces, and programming paradigms will be employed to rapidly arrive at a solution meeting or exceeding project objectives while optimizing system longevity, flexibility, extensibility, upgradability, and cost. In the Phase-II effort, a Timepix4 readout system will be developed, the scalability of the system will be demonstrated, and an accelerator framework will be established to support higher performance arrays. Neutron imaging is non-invasive and non-destructive. It offers an analysis modality distinct from and complementary to X-ray and gamma particle imaging. The proposed solution benefits researchers by enhancing real-time capability of neutron imaging equipment research and commercial neutron imaging facilities, potentially enabling rapid neutron tomography and/or imaging of moving parts.