G.O.Joe: A novel non-commercial software tool for the processing of LA-ICP-MS data

The coupling of laser ablation systems with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometers (LA-ICP-MS) was introduced in the 1980s. Since then, this technique has become indispensable for rapid, in-situ trace element and isotopic analysis of both natural and synthetic solid samples. Its applications extend across various fields, including chemistry, material science, geosciences, as well as biological and environmental analysis, bio-imaging and forensic investigations.

The software G.O.Joe is designed to calculate trace element concentrations in solid samples analyzed by LA-ICP-MS analysis, incorporating several types of optional interference corrections. Written in the Dart programming language using the Flutter framework, G.O.Joe operates online, eliminating the need for installation and allowing access from any location with an internet connection. This facilitates immediate data evaluation and the efficient processing of large datasets.

G.O.Joe features an intuitive user interface that simplifies the data evaluation process. This includes straightforward selections of peak- and background signals, importing instrument settings and reference material compositions to convert the measured raw signals into element concentrations. A major advantage of the software is the implemented correction measures for isobaric interferences and abundance sensitivity. The output, in the form of an Excel (.xlsx) file includes calculated element concentrations, associated statistical parameters, and input data alongside instrument settings to ensure transparent data processing.

Key features of G.O.Joe are demonstrated by processing the mineral chemical analyses of tungstates (e.g., scheelite) and silicates (e.g., garnet), demonstrating that G.O.Joe is a time-efficient, transparent and user-friendly software for LA-ICP-MS trace element analysis.