Implementation of optical scanning of GEM foils

• Grant number: 23/15427-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2023
• End date: November 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Nuclear Physics
• Principal Investigator: Tiago Fiorini da Silva
• Grantee: Caio de Sousa Ribeiro
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/03043-1 - Micro-patterned gaseous detectors of radiation and its applications, AP.PNGP.PI

Abstract

The inspection of GEM foils is crucial for quality assurance of the manufacturing process and methods. In addition, it is intended to provide quantitative measurements of whether the mechanical tolerances defined by simulation have been met experimentally. For this, implementing a high-resolution optical scanner is employed to obtain a wide-field high-resolution image of the foil, enabling pattern identification to determine the shape of the holes and their distances.The optical scanner will be implemented using a three-axis stage, driven by stepper-motors and controlled by an Arduino board. It will enable a USB camera with an amplification lens to scan the foil surface, saving pictures that will be used to form the wide-field image of the foil in a post-processing step. There is a challenge in this experimental setup regarding optimizing the number of saved pictures to generate a wide-field image with minor deformation. It is also necessary the implementation of algorithms for dynamic range correction.A student engaged in this project will learn the basics of computer coding, control systems, image processing, and pattern recognition.