Posts
Using IsoplotR in iolite
· ☕ 4 min read · ✍️ Joe
With Kenneth Ludwig’s Isoplot becoming more and more difficult to use in modern Excel (let alone on a Mac), there is increasing interest in alternatives. One alternative is Pieter Vermeesch’s IsoplotR.
Weighted U/Ca via a simple UI plugin
· ☕ 7 min read · ✍️ Joe
A recent publication by Cogné et al. used a modified iolite 2/3 data reduction scheme to calculate ‘weighted’ U/Ca as part of an apatite fission track dating protocol.
Examining Covariance and Correlation in iolite
· ☕ 5 min read · ✍️ Bence
Sometimes we want to examine the relationship between elements (channels) in our datasets to guide us in our data processing. For example, looking for elements whose concentrations correlate strongly can provide us with ideas about what to plot, or whether our data make sense.
iolite Basics Webinar Recording
· ☕ 1 min read · ✍️ Joe
The recording of the iolite basics webinar can be found on YouTube or directly from iolite. Click here to discuss.
Accessing session data from 3rd party software
· ☕ 3 min read · ✍️ Joe
In iolite 3, sessions were saved as Igor Pro “packed experiment” pxp files. This was convenient because iolite 3 was built on top of Igor Pro.
Comparing splines - part 1
· ☕ 4 min read · ✍️ Joe
Curve fitting plays an import role in iolite’s data reduction pipeline. In order to get accurate results we must have an accurate representation of how our backgrounds and sensitivities are evolving with time.
Transforming laser data into channels and results
· ☕ 3 min read · ✍️ Joe
Using laser logs to help sort out what’s what in your data files is a significant time saver. Now, with iolite 4’s python API (see here and here for more info) you can do even more with your laser data!
Installing additional python packages
· ☕ 4 min read · ✍️ Joe
iolite comes with many useful python packages, but we cannot anticipate everything our users might want to use python for in iolite. If your great idea depends on additional python packages that we do not include, here is a quick overview of one way you can install those packages.
Downsampling and exporting time series data
· ☕ 3 min read · ✍️ Joe
We recently had an email asking about exporting time series data that had been smoothed by averaging. It turns out this is something very easy to do with iolite 4’s built in python interpreter.
Manipulating selections from python
· ☕ 2 min read · ✍️ Joe
A reminder about selections A selection in iolite is simply a named (and grouped) period of time. Data processing in iolite revolves around groups of these selections and groups of different types.

©2025, All Rights Reserved