POST-DOC/CDD X-ray tomography reconstruction based on Deep-Learning methods
CEA-LIST is developing the CIVA software platform, a benchmark for the simulation of non-destructive testing processes. In particular, it offers tools for X-ray and tomographic inspection which, for a given inspection, can simulate all radiographies, taking into account various associated physical phenomena, as well as the corresponding tomographic reconstruction. CEA-LIST also has an experimental platform for robotized X-ray tomography inspection.
The proposed work is part of the laboratory's contribution to a bilateral French-German ANR project involving academic and industrial partners, focusing on the inspection of large-scale objects using the robotized platform. A sufficient number of X-rays must be taken in order to carry out a 3D reconstruction of the object. In many situations, some angles of view cannot be acquired due to the dimensions of the object and/or the motion limitations of the robots used, resulting in a loss of quality in the 3D reconstruction.
Expected contributions focus on the use of Deep-Learning methods, to complete missing projections on the one hand, and reduce reconstruction artifacts on the other. This work includes the CIVA-based steps of building a simulated database and evaluating the obtained results using POD (Probability Of Detection) measurements.
The candidate will have access to the facilities of the Paris Saclay research center and will be expected to promote his/her results in the form of scientific communications (international conferences, publications).
Candidate profile:
PhD in data processing or artificial intelligence.
Fluent English (oral presentations, scientific publications).
Previous knowledge of X-ray physics and tomographic reconstruction methods would be appreciated.
Development of Algorithms for the Detection and Quantification of Biomarkers from Voltammograms
The objective of the post-doctoral research is to develop a high-performance algorithmic and software solution for the detection and quantification of biomarkers of interest from voltammograms. These voltammograms are one-dimensional signals obtained from innovative electrochemical sensors. The study will be carried out in close collaboration with another laboratory at CEA-LIST, the LIST/DIN/SIMRI/LCIM, which will provide dedicated and innovative electrochemical sensors, as well as with the start-up USENSE, which is developing a medical device for measuring multiple biomarkers in urine.
X-ray tomography reconstruction based on analytical methods and Deep-Learning
CEA-LIST develops the CIVA software platform, a reference for the simulation of non-destructive testing processes. In particular, it proposes tools for X-ray and tomographic inspection, which allow, for a given tomographic testing, to simulate all the radiographic projections (or sinogram) taking into account various associated physical phenomena, as well as the corresponding tomographic reconstruction.
The proposed work is part of the laboratory's contribution to a European project on tomographic testing of freight containers with inspection systems using high-energy sources. The spatial constraints of the projection acquisition stage (the trucks carrying the containers pass through an inspection gantry) imply an adaptation of the geometry of the source/detector system and consequently of the corresponding reconstruction algorithm. Moreover, the system can only generate a reduced number of projections, which makes the problem ill-posed in the context of inversion.
The expected contributions concern two distinct aspects of the reconstruction methodology from the acquired data. On the one hand, it is a question of adapting the analytical reconstruction methods to the specific acquisition geometry of this project, and on the other hand, to work on methods allowing to overcome the lack of information related to the limited number of radiographic projections. In this objective, supervised learning methods, more specifically by Deep-Learning, will be used both to complete the sinogram, and to reduce the reconstruction artifacts caused by the small number of projections available. A constraint of adequacy to the data and the acquisition system will also be introduced in order to generate physically coherent projections.
Deep learning methods with Bayesian-based uncertainty quantification for the emulation of CPU-expensive numerical simulators
In the context of uncertainty propagation in numerical simulations, substitute mathematical models, called metamodels or emulators are used to replace a physico-numerical model by a statistical (or machine) learning model. This metamodel is trained on a set of available simulations of the model and mainly relies on machine learning (ML) algorithms. Among the usual ML methods, Gaussian process (GP) metamodels have attracted much interest since they propose both a prediction and an uncertainty for the output, which is very appealing in a context of safety studies or risk assessments. However, these GP metamodels have limitations, especially in the case of very irregular models. The objective of the post-doctorate will be to study the applicability and potential of Bayesian-based deep learning approaches to overcome these limitations. The work will be focused on Bayesian neural networks and deep GP and will consist in studying their tractability on medium size samples, evaluate their benefit compared to shallow GP, and assess the reliability of the uncertainty associated with their predictions.
High entropy alloys determination (predictive thermodynamics and Machine learning) and their fast elaboration by Spark Plasma Sintering
The proposed work aims to create an integrated system combining a computational thermodynamic algorithm (CALPHAD-type (calculation of phase diagrams)) with a multi-objective algorithm (genetic, Gaussian or other) together with data mining techniques in order to select and optimize compositions of High entropy alloys in a 6-element system: Fe-Ni-Co-Cr-Al-Mo.
Associated with computational methods, fast fabrication and characterization methods of samples (hardness, density, grain size) will support the selection process. Optimization and validation of the alloy’s composition will be oriented towards two industrial use cases: structural alloys (replacement of Ni-based alloys) and corrosion protection against melted salts (nuclear application)
Development of artificial intelligence algorithms for narrow-band localization
Narrowband (NB) radio signals are widely used in the context of low power, wide area (LPWA) networks, which are one of the key components of the Internet-of-Things (NB-IoT). However, because of their limited bandwidth, such signals are not well suited for accurate localization, especially when used in a complex environment like high buildings areas or urban canyons, which create signals reflections and obstructions. One approach to overcome these difficulties is to use a 3D model of the city and its buildings in order to better predict the signal propagation. Because this modelling is very complex, state-of-the art localization algorithms cannot handle it efficiently and new techniques based on machine learning and artificial intelligence should be considered to solve this very hard problem. The LCOI laboratory has deployed a NB-IoT network in the city of Grenoble and is currently building a very large database to support these studies.
Based on an analysis of the existing literature and using the knowledge acquired in the LCOI laboratory, the researcher will
- Contribute and supervise the current data collection.
- Exploit existing database to perform statistical analysis and modelling of NB-IoT signal propagation in various environments.
- Develop a toolchain to simulate signal propagation using 3D topology.
- Refine existing performance bounds through a more accurate signal modelling.
- Develop and implement real-time as well as off line AI-based localization algorithms using 3D topology.
- Evaluate and compare developed algorithms with respect to SoTA algorithms.
- Contribute to collaborative or industrial projects through this research work.
- Publish research papers in high quality journals and conference proceedings.
Development of a digital twin of complex processes
The current emergence of new digital technologies is opening up new opportunities for industry, making production more efficient, safer, more flexible and more reliable than ever. The application of these technologies to the vitrification processes could improve the knowledge of the processes, optimise their operation, train operators, help with predictive maintenance and assist in the management of the process.
The SOSIE project aims at providing a first proof of concept for the implementation of digital technologies in the field of vitrification processes, by integrating virtual reality, augmented reality, IoT (Internet of Things) and Artificial Intelligence.
This project, carried out in collaboration between the CEA and the SME GAMBI-M, is a READYNOV project. GAMBI-M is a company specialised in the reconstruction of complex environments and in digital engineering. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with the CEA teams developing the vitrification processes for nuclear waste.
The project consists of developing a digital twin of 2 vitrification processes, and will be implemented on 2 platforms in parallel, one in a conventional zone, the other in a high activity zone. The first step will be to develop a visual digital twin, the virtual 3D model of each cell, which will allow the user to visit the cells and access any point virtually. Based on this reconstructed model, an "augmented" twin will be developed and connected to the supervisory controller. Finally, the last step will be to develop the "intelligent twin" by exploiting existing databases on the operation of the process. By training machine learning algorithms on these data, a predictive model of nominal operation will be generated.
Publications are expected on the implementation of virtual reality and augmented reality tools on shielded chain operations, as well as on the development of deep learning methods for the assistance to the control of such complex processes.
Hybrid CMOS / spintronic circuits for Ising machines
The proposed research project is related to the search for hardware accelerators for solving NP-hard optimization problems. Such problems, for which finding exact solutions in polynomial time is out of reach for deterministic Turing machines, find many applications in diverse fields such as logistic operations, circuit design, medical diagnosis, Smart Grid management etc.
One approach in particular is derived from the Ising model, and is based on the evolution (and convergence) of a set of binary states within an artificial neural network (ANN).In order to improve the convergence speed and accuracy, the network elements may benefit from an intrinsic and adjustable source of fluctuations. Recent proof-of-concept work highlights the interest of implementing such neurons with stochastic magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ).
The main goals will be the simulation, dimensioning and fabrication of hybrid CMOS/MTJ elements. The test vehicles will then be characterized in order to validate their functionality.
This work will be carried out in the frame of a scientific collaboration between CEA-Leti and Spintec.
Post-doctoral position in AI safety and assurance at CEA LIST
The position is related to safety assessment and assurance of AI (Artificial Intelligence)-based systems that used machine-learning components during operation time for performing autonomy functions. Currently, for non-AI system, the safety is assessed prior to the system deployment and the safety assessment results are compiled into a safety case that remains valid through system life. For novel systems integrating AI components, particularly the self-learners systems, such engineering and assurance approach are not applicable as the system can exhibit new behavior in front of unknown situations during operation.
The goal of the postdoc will be to define an engineering approach to perform accurate safety assessment of AI systems. A second objective is to define assurance case artefacts (claims, evidences, etc.) to obtain & preserve justified confidence in the safety of the system through its lifetime, particularly for AI system with operational learning. The approach will be implemented in an open-source framework that it will be evaluated on industry-relevant applications.
The position holder will join a research and development team in a highly stimulating environment with unique opportunities to develop a strong technical and research portfolio. He will be required to collaborate with LSEA academic & industry partners, to contribute and manage national & EU projects, to prepare and submit scientific material for publication, to provide guidance to PhD students.
Digital circuit design for In-Memory Computing in advanced Resistive-RAM NVM technology
For integrated circuits to be able to leverage the future “data deluge” coming from the cloud and cyber-physical systems, the historical scaling of Complementary-Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) devices is no longer the corner stone. At system-level, computing performance is now strongly power-limited and the main part of this power budget is consumed by data transfers between logic and memory circuit blocks in widespread Von-Neumann design architectures. An emerging computing paradigm solution overcoming this “memory wall” consists in processing the information in-situ, owing to In-Memory-Computing (IMC).
CEA-Leti launched a project on this topic, leveraging three key enabling technologies, under development at CEA-Leti: non-volatile resistive memory (RRAM), new energy-efficient nanowire transistors and 3D-monolithic integration [ArXiv 2012.00061]. A 3D In-Memory-Computing accelerator circuit will be designed, manufactured and measured, targeting a 20x reduction in (Energy x Delay) Product vs. Von-Neumann systems.