Iolite* is a software package for deconvolution of data obtained by laser ablation ICPMS. Following a concerted effort over a period of years by various members of the Melbourne Isotope and trace element group, we now consider the software sufficiently advanced for a general release to the research community. We hope that Iolite will enrich your laser ablation experience… History and design philosophy
Laser ablation ICP-MS is a uniquely powerful technique for the spatially-resolved analysis of geological materials, but has been hindered in this application by the absence of suitably flexible tools for data processing and visualisation. With the development of Iolite we have tried to address this deficiency. Key design parameters include an entirely generic format which will accept data from any instrument (quad or multi-collector, or both simultaneously) and provide full data control and visualisation at all stages of processing.
In addition we believe that deconvolution of laser ablation data should not take you hours, should not involve any operations which are hidden from the user, and should not cost you a fortune! Iolite is freeware and, while the core code is encrypted (to protect the innocent), the Data Reduction Schemes, where all the interesting stuff happens, are designed to be modified/written by the end-user to suit their own specific tasks. Iolite is supplied with a few example modules for use with trace element and isotope ratio datasets, and comprehensive imaging capabilities (click here for some examples). A module for deconvolution of U-Pb data will be released within the next few months.
Iolite was developed from an original concept by John Hellstrom, under a Hermon Slade Foundation Grant to Janet Hergt and Jon Woodhead. Ongoing development is by John Hellstrom, Chad Paton, Bence Paul, and Jon Woodhead with the assistance and input of members of the Isotope and Trace Element Geochemistry Group. Iolite is a rapidly evolving entity and we value your input. Please sign up to our wiki to provide suggestions/comment or view the development history/read the on-line manual.
All the Iolite components plus forum, wiki etc can now be accessed through www.Iolite.org.au
