Data Processing Engine (DPE): Data Analysis Tool for Particle Tracking and Mixed Radiation Field Characterization with Pixel Detectors Timepix

TL;DR

The paper introduces the Data Processing Engine (DPE), a comprehensive data analysis tool designed for Timepix detectors, enabling advanced particle tracking, radiation field recognition, and complex data analysis across various applications.

Contribution

It presents a novel, multi-level data processing framework tailored for Timepix detectors, integrating machine learning and extensive calibration databases to enhance particle identification and radiation analysis.

Findings

Effective particle classification using machine learning.

Accurate radiation field recognition across environments.

Enhanced user accessibility via multiple interfaces.

Abstract

Hybrid semiconductor pixelated detectors from the Timepix family are advanced detectors for online particle tracking, offering energy measurement and precise time stamping capabilities for particles of various types and energies. This inherent capability makes them highly suitable for various applications, including imaging, medical fields such as radiotherapy and particle therapy, space-based applications aboard satellites and the International Space Station, and industrial applications. The data generated by these detectors is complex, necessitating the development and deployment of various analytical techniques to extract essential information. For this purpose, and to aid the Timepix user community, it was designed and developed the "Data Processing Engine" (DPE) as an advanced tool for data processing designed explicitly for Timepix detectors. The functionality of the DPE is structured into three distinct processing levels: i) Pre-processing: This phase involves clusterization and the application of necessary calibrations and corrections. ii) Processing: This stage includes particle classification, employing machine learning algorithms, and the recognition of radiation fields. iii) Post-processing: Involves various analyses, such as directional analysis, coincidence analysis, frame analysis, Compton directional analysis, and the generation of physics products, are performed. The core of the DPE is supported by an extensive experimental database containing calibrations and referential radiation fields of typical environments, including protons, ions, electrons, gamma rays and X-rays, as well as thermal and fast neutrons. To enhance accessibility, the DPE is implemented into various user interface platforms such as a command-line tool, an application programming interface, and as a graphical user interface in the form of a web portal.