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.

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.

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.

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.

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!