GPU-Based Data Processing for 2-D Microwave Imaging on MAST

The Synthetic Aperture Microwave Imaging (SAMI) diagnostic is a Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak (MAST) diagnostic based at Culham Centre for Fusion Energy. The acceleration of the SAMI diagnostic data-processing code by a graphics processing unit is presented, demonstrating acceleration of up to 60 times compared to the original IDL (Interactive Data Language) data-processing code. SAMI will now be capable of intershot processing allowing pseudo-real-time control so that adjustments and optimizations can be made between shots. Additionally, for the first time the analysis of many shots will be possible.