Morphological Classification of Particles Recorded by the Timepix Detector

Abstract : The Timepix is a pixel detector that records energy deposited by charged particles. Different particles leave a different trace. These traces can be analysed in order to identify the particles, and consequently, analyze the sources of the radiation. We propose an image processing approach to the classification of particles based on the shape of traces, using only a few basic morphological operations. This method-implemented in an FPGA-achieves a performance and latency allowing a high acquisition rate. Embedded with Timepix, it can beneficially analyse radioactive fluxes of unknown sources and spectra.