1 PhD Position in Digital Imaging

Project title: Transflection imaging of solar wafers and solar cells

Project duration: 3 years

Project summary:

The project focuses on developing a transflex-based machine vision inspection system for micro-crack
detection in solar cells or solar wafer. The concept behind this new imaging set-up is explained as follows. A
light originating from a laser source is incident onto the sunny side or top surface of a solar cell/wafer placed
on moving conveyor. A small fraction is reflected at the air-cell interface but a major fraction penetrates the
surface and diffuses through the interior of the substrate. This optical effect would illuminate the solar
cell/wafer from the subsurface. A camera facing the sunny side placed some distance away from the light
point of incident will be used to capture this illumination. A micro-crack located along the transmission path
would interfere with the internally diffused-reflected light, resulting in an abrupt change in illumination
intensity. Resultantly, a dark field will be formed at the point of interference. It is hypothesised that this
procedure would generate much more clean image with less amount of noise.

This project requires the combination of hardware (principally optical mechatronics), digital image
processing and artificial intelligence. Therefore a strong background on optoelectronics and programming
skills in MATLAB or a high level language are essential.

This project provides the opportunity to be part of a large and digital imaging group that has several strongly
committed industrial partners

The position is available immediately and the search will continue until it’s filled.

Criteria:
Applicants must have obtained a minimum first-class honours degree (Electrical or Electronics or
Mechatronics Engineering or equivalent), or hold a Masters-level qualification in relevant field recognised
by USM. They should also have a track-record of engaging with research. This may include contributions to
publications/articles, promoting their research to a wider audience, prizes/accolades for previous research
work, setting up research collaborations with other groups etc.

Funding Notes

Open to locals only. Funding is available and would provide fees and monthly allowance of RM 3,000.

How to Apply

Interested candidate, please email mza@usm.my with CV.