U‐Pb Saturn: New U‐Pb/Pb‐Pb Data Reduction Software for LA‐ICP‐MS

Abstract

U‐Pb Saturn is new freeware for U‐Pb LA‐ICP‐MS data reduction. It has been developed to provide easy interaction with and visualisation of LA‐ICP‐MS U‐Pb datasets, and allows fast and reliable data reduction of hundreds of data‐points. Saturn offers dynamic graphic interfaces to quickly view, evaluate, and plot U‐Pb and Pb‐Pb isotope data. It operates online (or offline), giving the freedom to change parameters and reprocess data at any stage of data acquisition. The main interface allows the user to: (1) choose the best statistics for drift correction, (2) include/exclude offset factors and (3) apply (or not) Pbc corrections in different modes. Signal intensities are displayed in a separate graphic interface that allows users to interact with the time‐resolved signal of individual spot analyses. All graphic windows are interactive; any modification to data treatment (e.g., inclusion or exclusion of analyses of reference material, or modification of the time‐resolved signal windows) is instantaneously updated on the data tables. Saturn is particularly attractive for beginners in LA‐ICP‐MS U‐Pb geochronology as it is non‐commercial, easy to install, and very interactive. Coding information and a version of the software can be accessed at http://www.air.ufop.br.