Automated computer analysis of plasma-streak traces from SCYLLAC

An automated computer analysis technique that locates and references the approximate centroid of single- or dual-streak traces is described. The technique also determines the plasma-trace width over a limited self-adjusting region. The plasma traces are recorded with streak cameras on Polaroid film, then scanned and digitized for processing. The analysis technique uses scene segmentation to separate the plasma trace from a reference fiducial trace. The technique employs two methods of peak detection; one for the plasma trace and one for the fiducial trace. The width is obtained using an edge-detection, or slope, method. Timing data are derived from the intensity modulation of the fiducial trace. To smooth (despike) the output graphs showing the plasma-trace centroid and width, a technique of twicing was employed. In addition an interactive sorting algorithm allows retrieval of the centroid, width, and fiducial data from any test shot plasma for post analysis.