Quasi-real-time analysis of dynamic near field scattering data using a graphics processing unit

We present an implementation of the analysis of dynamic near field scattering (NFS) data using a graphics processing unit (GPU). We introduce an optimized data management scheme thereby limiting the number of operations required. Overall, we reduce the processing time from hours to minutes, for typical experimental conditions. Previously the limiting step in such experiments, the processing time is now comparable to the data acquisition time. Our approach is applicable to various dynamic NFS methods, including shadowgraph, Schlieren and differential dynamic microscopy.