Sensor Testing for DarkNESS

TL;DR: Lab test setup for DarkNESS with temperature controller and Python script for telemetry and analysis of CCD images. The setup achieved desired pressure and temperature for CCD testing and particle track identification.

Abstract: In this paper we present the development of a lab test setup for DarkNESS where a temperature controller was implemented. Using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), a Proportional, Integral and Derivative (PID) control theory is integrated to a configuration of an Arduino UNO and an Arduino 4 Relays Shield. The controller configuration is applied to control the temperature inside a vacuum cube that must reach an approximate pressure of 10 -4 torr and a cold enough temperature for proper Charged Coupled Device (CCD) testing requirements. For convenience a python script was also developed for telemetry of the real-time temperature and pressure of the vacuum cube. Both the performance of the micro-controller and the images of the CCD using the lab test setup are also presented. For analysis of the CCD we identified particle tracks using a Jupyter script. All components important to the project are covered and tested for functionality; they performed up to testing standards.