arXiv subjects

Abhilasha Dave

Publications and source records attributed to Abhilasha Dave.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Machine Learning on Heterogeneous, Edge, and Quantum Hardware for Particle Physics (ML-HEQUPP)

The next generation of particle physics experiments will face a new era of challenges in data acquisition, due to unprecedented data rates and volumes along with extreme environments and operational constraints. Harnessing this data for scientific discovery demands real-time inference and decision-making, intelligent data reduction, and efficient processing architectures beyond current capabilities. Crucial to the success of this experimental paradigm are several emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), silicon microelectronics, and the advent of quantum algorithms and processing. Their intersection includes areas of research such as low-power and low-latency devices for edge computing, heterogeneous accelerator systems, reconfigurable hardware, novel codesign and synthesis strategies, readout for cryogenic or high-radiation environments, and analog computing. This white paper presents a community-driven vision to identify and prioritize research and development opportunities in hardware-based ML systems and corresponding physics applications, contributing towards a successful transition to the new data frontier of fundamental science.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2026

Classical Hardware Acceleration of Quantum Autoencoders for Real-Time Anomaly Detection in Collider Experiments

Quantum machine learning (QML) algorithms in high energy physics (HEP) can efficiently represent and leverage long-range, high-order correlations in high-dimensional collider data, potentially with fewer parameters and favorable scaling relative to classical models. Deployment of QML in real-time collider applications such as trigger systems requires the ability to emulate and compile quantum circuits classically, then synthesize the resulting quantum gates onto low-latency hardware accelerators, namely field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). We present a study of variational quantum autoencoder models for real-time anomaly detection triggers in modern collider experiments. The models achieve performance comparable to state-of-the-art classical approaches and, after FPGA synthesis, satisfy resource usage and timing constraints consistent with trigger applications in future colliders. This work provides one of the first FPGA implementations of QML models for HEP triggers, enabling higher-capability models in today's classical data acquisition pipelines while advancing quantum readiness of collider experiment infrastructure.

cs.LG↗

arXiv2026

Discrete Wavelet Transform for Serial X-ray Crystallography Image Segmentation

Upcoming LCLS-II/II-HE operation at repetition rates approaching 1MHz demands on-detector data reduction to manage the resulting data volumes. We present a 2D discrete wavelet transform (DWT) pre-processing algorithm that segments background scatter from crystal diffraction in serial crystallography images, enabling early data analysis and, when combined with peak finding, lossy compression by transmitting only the identified diffraction peaks. The method zeroes the approximation (LL) coefficients of a multi-level Haar wavelet decomposition and reconstructs from detail subbands only, exploiting the natural separation of smooth background and sharp Bragg peaks in the wavelet domain. Evaluated on 100 simulated nanoBragg frames with known ground truth, the pipeline achieves $F1 \approx 0.96$ at four decomposition levels ($J = 4$), substantially outperforming the established peakfinder8 algorithm ($F1 \approx 0.37$) in both precision ($P \approx 1.00$ vs.\ $0.94$) and recall ($R \approx 0.92$ vs.\ $0.24$). A comparison of 12 wavelet families confirms that Haar is optimal for Bragg-peak detection due to its minimal filter support. Downstream crystallographic analysis performed on real ePix10kA data shows that CC* and $R_\mathrm{split}$ converge at $J = 4$ and track the unprocessed baseline through the practical resolution limit. Under added noise exceeding $\sim$50 ADU, the current pipeline's precision degrades significantly more than that of the pf8 algorithm, exposing a limitation of the proposed strategy. We also demonstrate an FPGA implementation of the DWT filters on an Alveo U200 at 200MHz, with a projected resource footprint compatible with integration into the upcoming ePixUHR firmware and a path to on-detector ASIC implementation in SparkPix detector family.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2026

Transformer-based machine learning using low-level calorimeter signals for collimated photon identification at collider experiments

Electromagnetic calorimeters provide essential information for reconstructing and selecting both Standard Model (SM) and potential beyond the SM physics events at high-energy particle colliders. The fine-grained segmentation of modern calorimeters captures rich information about the internal structure of particle showers, much of which is discarded by conventional high-level reconstruction methods. In this work, we leverage calorimeter cell-level information to classify highly collimated diphoton signatures, arising from the decay of light axion-like particles, from isolated single-photon showers. We systematically compare a range of machine learning architectures, spanning high-level, shower shape variable-based approaches and direct cell-level methods. Cell-level machine learning shows significantly superior classification ability, with a Transformer in particular representing the best performance among six different architectures studied, and an MLP Mixer representing a resource-constrained alternative for potential real-time, trigger-level applications. Beyond classification, the Transformer model developed enables direct invariant mass regression from calorimeter cells, improving the characterization of light resonances and providing an additional handle in reducing the $π^0$ and $η$ fake photon backgrounds. These results demonstrate that cell-level machine learning methods can extend calorimeter-based particle identification and performance well beyond the capabilities of current conventional techniques.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2026

HeteroViT: A Versatile Single-Layer Vision Transformer Concept, Co-Designed for Distributed Real-Time Data Reduction on Scientific Detectors

Next-generation X-ray detectors generate data faster than any system can affordably store or process. LCLS-II, the upgraded Linac Coherent Light Source at SLAC, produces data on the order of terabytes per second, with raw-data transfer and storage projected to be prohibitively costly, even though much of the data is not scientifically useful. This concept paper focuses on two major points. The first is versatility: a deliberately tiny, single-layer Vision Transformer (ViT) is enough to serve distinct scientific quick-evaluation tasks. We demonstrate this on two very different problems: (a) a supervised hit/miss/maybe classification on the CSPAD dataset, made to resemble ePixUHR-like detector frames, and (b) a self-supervised latent space for rare-event detection in X-ray diffraction spanning two learning paradigms, two output types, and two detector modalities, with one small backbone. The second is hardware co-design: because the ViT's blocks are structurally uniform, the model maps cleanly onto the heterogeneous hardware already present in the LCLS detector pipeline (ASIC -> FPGA -> GPU) under a simple rule one ASIC is one token so the data is reduced progressively at each stage and a keep/discard decision is produced in real time at the edge. The two claims reinforce each other: versatility is precisely what justifies freezing the front-end in silicon, since a reusable front-end is only worth committing to hardware if it serves many tasks. We are explicit that this is a concept supported by early software analysis, not a hardware demonstration. The natural and primary next phase is the hardware implementation of this distributed pipeline. The decisive evidence still owed an end-to-end latency budget, ASIC feasibility of the in-sensor embedding, and the false-negative behavior that matters for a data veto defines that program. HeteroViT is our first step toward it.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2026

FPGA-Accelerated Real-Time Diagnostics at DIII-D Using the SLAC Neural Network Library for ML Inference

In this work, we demonstrate the deployment of a hardware-accelerated machine learning (ML) inference system integrated into a real-time processing at the DIII-D tokamak fusion reactor. The team has successfully deployed an AMD/Xilinx KCU1500 field-programmable gate array (FPGA) into the realtime Plasma Control System (PCS) nodes that receives the live Beam Emission Spectroscopy (BES) signal used for Edge Localized Mode (ELM) forecasting. The FPGA hosts a dense neural network using the SLAC Neural Network Library (SNL) that has been trained to infer the likelihood of disruptive ELM conditions. This likelihood then feeds a separate plasma controller that uses Resonant Magnetic Perturbation coils to suppress the predicted disruptive condition. The SNL allows for on-the-fly updates of the neural network weights and biases without requiring full hardware resynthesis for the FPGA. Judicious design of the neural-network architecture can further allow for the hot-swapping of multiple classification tasks to be executed on the single FPGA, significantly enhancing the real-time adaptability of the system for context-aware control strategies that respond in real-time to evolving reactor conditions. These adaptive weights naturally support continuous model refinement and seamless task switching during live experimental operation. This use case is chosen as a high rate signal processing example that can serve as a template for general ML-based reactor diagnostic processing for active reactor control systems. We see this as an essential development for achieving reactor relevant operation in future continuous operation fusion devices.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2026

Hardware-Aware Tensor Networks for Real-Time Quantum-Inspired Anomaly Detection at Particle Colliders

Quantum machine learning offers the ability to capture complex correlations in high-dimensional feature spaces, crucial for the challenge of detecting beyond the Standard Model physics in collider events, along with the potential for unprecedented computational efficiency in future quantum processors. Near-term utilization of these benefits can be achieved by developing quantum-inspired algorithms for deployment in classical hardware to enable applications at the "edge" of current scientific experiments. This work demonstrates the use of tensor networks for real-time anomaly detection in collider detectors. A spaced matrix product operator (SMPO) is developed that provides sensitivity to a variety beyond the Standard Model benchmarks, and can be implemented in field programmable gate array hardware with resources and latency consistent with trigger deployment. The cascaded SMPO architecture is introduced as an SMPO variation that affords greater flexibility and efficiency in ways that are key to edge applications in resource-constrained environments. These results reveal the benefit and near-term feasibility of deploying quantum-inspired ML in high energy colliders.

cs.LG↗

arXiv2025

FPGA-Accelerated Real-Time Beam Emission Spectroscopy Diagnostics at DIII-D Using the SLAC Neural Network Library for ML Inference

Achieving reliable real-time control of tokamak plasmas is essential for sustaining high-performance operation in next-generation fusion reactors. A major challenge is the accurate and timely prediction of edge-localized modes (ELMs), especially in high-confinement regimes such as wide-pedestal quiescent H-mode. We present a hardware-accelerated machine learning (ML) inference system integrated into the RTSTAB processing node of the DIII-D real-time diagnostic and control infrastructure. The system uses an AMD/Xilinx KCU1500 FPGA to enable ultra low latency plasma state classification and ELM forecasting. Input features come from real-time Beam Emission Spectroscopy (BES), and the ML model is implemented as a dense neural network using the SLAC Neural Network Library (SNL). A key capability is SNL dynamic parameter loading, which allows on-the-fly updates of neural network weights and biases without hardware resynthesis. This enables multiple classification tasks on a single FPGA design and supports adaptive control strategies that respond to evolving plasma conditions. By decoupling inference from fixed-weight configurations, the system supports continuous model refinement and seamless task switching during live operation. The SNL-based inference engine is fully integrated with the FPGA in the DIII-D RTSTAB Plasma Control System (PCS), improving ELM avoidance, confinement, and operational stability. These results show the feasibility of embedding dynamically reconfigurable FPGA-based ML inference into real-time fusion diagnostic pipelines, providing a scalable and resilient path toward intelligent and autonomous plasma control in future magnetic confinement fusion devices.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2025

Neural Network Acceleration on MPSoC board: Integrating SLAC's SNL, Rogue Software and Auto-SNL

The LCLS-II Free Electron Laser (FEL) will generate X-ray pulses for beamline experiments at rates of up to 1~MHz, with detectors producing data throughputs exceeding 1 TB/s. Managing such massive data streams presents significant challenges, as transmission and storage infrastructures become prohibitively expensive. Machine learning (ML) offers a promising solution for real-time data reduction, but conventional implementations introduce excessive latency, making them unsuitable for high-speed experimental environments. To address these challenges, SLAC developed the SLAC Neural Network Library (SNL), a specialized framework designed to deploy real-time ML inference models on Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA). SNL's key feature is the ability to dynamically update model weights without requiring FPGA resynthesis, enhancing flexibility for adaptive learning applications. To further enhance usability and accessibility, we introduce Auto-SNL, a Python extension that streamlines the process of converting Python-based neural network models into SNL-compatible high-level synthesis code. This paper presents a benchmark comparison against hls4ml, the current state-of-the-art tool, across multiple neural network architectures, fixed-point precisions, and synthesis configurations targeting a Xilinx ZCU102 FPGA. The results showed that SNL achieves competitive or superior latency in most tested architectures, while in some cases also offering FPGA resource savings. This adaptation demonstrates SNL's versatility, opening new opportunities for researchers and academics in fields such as high-energy physics, medical imaging, robotics, and many more.

cs.LG↗

arXiv2025

FPGA-Accelerated SpeckleNN with SNL for Real-time X-ray Single-Particle Imaging

We implement a specialized version of our SpeckleNN model for real-time speckle pattern classification in X-ray Single-Particle Imaging (SPI) using the SLAC Neural Network Library (SNL) on an FPGA. This hardware is optimized for inference near detectors in high-throughput X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facilities like the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS). To fit FPGA constraints, we optimized SpeckleNN, reducing parameters from 5.6M to 64.6K (98.8% reduction) with 90% accuracy. We also compressed the latent space from 128 to 50 dimensions. Deployed on a KCU1500 FPGA, the model used 71% of DSPs, 75% of LUTs, and 48% of FFs, with an average power consumption of 9.4W. The FPGA achieved 45.015us inference latency at 200 MHz. On an NVIDIA A100 GPU, the same inference consumed ~73W and had a 400us latency. Our FPGA version achieved an 8.9x speedup and 7.8x power reduction over the GPU. Key advancements include model specialization and dynamic weight loading through SNL, eliminating time-consuming FPGA re-synthesis for fast, continuous deployment of (re)trained models. These innovations enable real-time adaptive classification and efficient speckle pattern vetoing, making SpeckleNN ideal for XFEL facilities. This implementation accelerates SPI experiments and enhances adaptability to evolving conditions.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2024

Analysis of Hardware Synthesis Strategies for Machine Learning in Collider Trigger and Data Acquisition

To fully exploit the physics potential of current and future high energy particle colliders, machine learning (ML) can be implemented in detector electronics for intelligent data processing and acquisition. The implementation of ML in real-time at colliders requires very low latencies that are unachievable with a software-based approach, requiring optimization and synthesis of ML algorithms for deployment on hardware. An analysis of neural network inference efficiency is presented, focusing on the application of collider trigger algorithms in field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Trade-offs are evaluated between two frameworks, the SLAC Neural Network Library (SNL) and hls4ml, in terms of resources and latency for different model sizes. Results highlight the strengths and limitations of each approach, offering valuable insights for optimizing real-time neural network deployments at colliders. This work aims to guide researchers and engineers in selecting the most suitable hardware and software configurations for real-time, resource-constrained environments.

physics.ins-det↗