Next-Generation Scientific Tools: FPGA-Driven Solutions for Terahertz Imaging and Nanoscale Investigation

This thesis explores the development of scientific instruments based on field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) aimed at addressing the increasing gap between the demands of cutting-edge scientific research and the limitations of commercially available tools. While high-performance instruments exist, they are often too general-purpose to meet the specific needs of complex experimental setups. As research becomes more demanding, there is a growing need for flexible, high-performance, and customizable instruments that can adapt to evolving scientific challenges. FPGAs offer a powerful solution due to their reconfigurability, parallel processing, and real-time operability, making them ideal for designing advanced scientific instruments. The research conducted at the “Laboratorio Strumentazione e Detector” of Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste focuses on designing and optimizing FPGAbased instruments that bridge the gap between the needs of researchers and the limitations of existing tools. This thesis presents two case studies that showcase the practical applications of these instruments and their potential to revolutionize experimental research across various fields. The first case study focuses on a novel sensor for terahertz (THz) imaging, based on an array of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) resonators. These resonators, addressable through frequency multiplexing, function both as detectors and actuators. A custom FPGA-based system was developed to operate 32 parallel lock-in amplifiers, allowing for efficient detection of multiple resonator frequencies simultaneously. This system enhances the MEMS sensor’s performance, demonstrating its potential in THz imaging applications and reservoir computing. The second case study introduces an FPGA-based controller designed for commercial scanning probe microscopes (SPMs), which are essential in nanotechnology for atomic-scale imaging. Traditional SPMs face limitations in time resolution, with image acquisition times often too slow for dynamic processes. The new FPGA-based system accelerates image acquisition and enables real-time tracking of nanoscale features, providing unprecedented insights into dynamic processes at the atomic level. In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates how FPGA-based scientific instruments can push the boundaries of what is achievable in modern research, offering greater flexibility, speed, and precision than state-of-the-art devices.