Morphological classification of particles recorded by the Timepix detector

The Timepix is a pixel detector that records energy deposited by charged particles. Different particles leave a different trace. These traces can be analyzed in order to identify the particles, and consequently, analyze the source 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 performance and latency allowing a high acquisition rate. Embedded with Timepix, it can beneficially analyze radioactive fluxes of unknown sources and spectra.