Automated Fission Track and Etch Pit Characterization in Apatite Crystals

Apatite to Zircon, Inc. Computer Science, 2013-14

Liaison(s): Dr. Ray Donelick P15
Advisor(s): Zachary Dodds
Students(s): Lena Reed (PM), Ravi Kumar, Buike Ndefo-Dahl, Kevin Vigue

Our project seeks to design and implement algorithms for identifying features within microscopic images of apatite crystals. We built on the work of two previous clinics and refined their techniques to better identify etch pits and fission tracks two features of interest found within apatite crystals. To this end, we utilized C++ and OpenCV to create modular tools employing pattern matching and custom algorithms. Additionally, we created a LabVIEW interface that fits our tools to our sponsor’s workflow.