Master Thesis „Reflective Fourier ptychographic imaging for industrial surface inspection“

We are Austria’s largest research and technology organisation and an international player in applied research for innovative infrastructure solutions. This makes us a powerful development partner for industry and a top employer in the scientific community. Our Center for Vision, Automation & Control in Vienna invites applications for a:

Master Thesis „Reflective Fourier ptychographic imaging for industrial surface inspection“

IMAGINE

• Fourier ptychography is a method for super-resolution microscopy. Today this method is mainly used in the (bio)medical field, offering a large field of view, high spatial resolutions, and a large depth of focus. It enables super-resolution imaging up to about 10x the native sensor resolution, by exploiting the image information gathered under various illumination directions. The method relies on coherent illumination and rather flat and thin objects. Furthermore, Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM) can easily be integrated into biological transmission light microscopes and thus, is well-suited for tissue histology, where cut tissue sections, typically a few micrometers thick, are analyzed.
• However, there is only little work done on FPM application for reflected light microscopy and surface inspection. On this account, the overall objective of this project is to apply FPM to reflected light microscopy, to make the method suitable for high-throughput surface inspection tasks that are common in many industrial manufacturing processes.
• Possible application examples are the detection of small imperfections in roll-to-roll processing (e.g. used in photovoltaic, display and printed electronic production) or inspection tasks in the sheet metal fabrication.

ENGAGE

• The aim of the master thesis is to make FPM suitable for reflected light microscopy. Under the guidance of our High-Performance Vision Systems (HVS) team, you will review the current state of the art in FPM.
• Based on review and existing algorithms for transmission light FPM, and in collaboration with our scientists, a prototype for reflected light FPM will be proposed, designed, implemented, and tested.
• To this end, while conducting research for this project, you will:
  • (1) work on the identification and analysis of the required illumination properties including spatial coherence
  • (2) support our team in the implementation of a prototype for reflected light FPM
  • (3) learn how to adapt existing FPM algorithms for reflected light FPM
  • (4) help us with the validation of the developed system in terms of characterization of samples that can be inspected successfully (as time permits)

ACHIEVE

• The overall outcome of this project is to demonstrate the application of FPM to reflected light microscopy with suitable objects. It is anticipated that the developed workflows and prototype will enable future high-throughput surface inspection tasks in industrial settings, where high spatial resolutions for large field of views are essential.
• You will actively be involved in research and development activities in our team, where state-of-the art imaging techniques and methods are integrated in novel working prototypes for inspection tasks that are relevant for industrial partners of the AIT in different sectors.
• You also have the chance to enlarge your network: You will be working closely together with our scientists from the HVS group and will be part also of a broader team of fellow students that are undertaking projects on similar and related topics.

Your qualifications as an Ingenious Partner*:

• Ongoing master’s studies in Physics – preferably specialization in imaging techniques and optics
• Good knowledge in Fourier optics
• Basic knowledge in image processing with MATLAB or Python
• Enthusiastic about planning and conducting scientific studies
• Interested in technology development and applied research driven by real-world problems
• High level of commitment and team spirit
• Very good command of German or English (verbally and in writing)

What to expect:

EUR 803,-- gross per month for 20 hours/week based on the collective agreement. There will be additional company benefits. As a research institution, we are familiar with the supervision and execution of master theses and we are looking forward to supporting you accordingly!

At AIT, the promotion of women is important to us - that's why we are especially looking forward to applications from ambitious female candidates.

TOMORROW TODAY – WITH YOU?

Please submit your application documents including your CV, cover letter and certificates online: https://jobs.ait.ac.at/Job/158693