G.O.Joe: A New Non-Commercial Software Tool for the Processing of LA-ICP-MS Trace Element Data

Abstract

A common problem of trace element measurements by LA-ICP-MS is the existence of interferences that cannot be resolved instrumentally. The software G.O.Joe is developed to calculate trace element mass fractions in solid samples analysed by LA-ICP-MS, offering the opportunity to correct for isobaric interference (including mass bias) and abundance sensitivity. Designed as a platform-independent web application, G.O.Joe is written in the Dart programming language and runs on all web browsers supported by Flutter (i.e., Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox) without the need for installation. G.O.Joe is freely accessible from any computer with an internet connection to facilitate immediate data evaluation and the efficient processing of large datasets (> 400 analyses). G.O.Joe features an intuitive user interface that simplifies the selection of peak and background signals, import of instrument settings and reference material compositions to convert the measured raw signals into element mass fractions. Key functions of G.O.Joe are presented by processing the analysis of tungstates and silicates (i.e., scheelite and garnet) including specific correction methods to demonstrate their large effect on interfered masses/isotopes achievable with only little effort. This study introduces G.O.Joe as a simple, time-efficient and flexible software to significantly improve data quality in various trace element studies utilising LA-ICP-MS.