Programs
Software development has become a critical part of modern research, especially in petrology and analytical geochemistry. This is the reason why I got involved in the development of several computer models and software solutions and I decided to share them for free with scientists working in universities and public research agencies worldwide. This page lists my main contributions and provides links to the website of each project.
Software solution
XMapTools – Quantitative compositional mapping
Quantitative compositional maps are used in petrology to depict the spatial distribution and compositional variability of mineral phases in thin sections of rock. XMapTools provides advanced numerical tools in a guided environment to explore and visualize your data in your own way. It incorporates a large variety of options for data processing, data calibration and data visualization via single and multi-channel maps or via binary, ternary and spider diagrams.
THERMOBAROMETRY
Bingo-Antidote – Iterative thermodynamic model
Bingo-Antidote runs iterative thermodynamic models to determine P–T equilibrium conditions for a given metamorphic assemblage. This hybrid strategy combines the strengths of forward Gibbs free energy minimization models with the intuitive approach of inverse thermobarometry models. Bingo-Antidote is available as a standalone program, or embedded into XMapTools using the add-on XThermoTools. I developed Bingo-Antidote in collaboration with Erik Duesterhoeft (University of Kiel).
Database and tools
DBOXYGEN, ThermoOx & PTloop – Oxygen fractionation modeling
This package for modeling the fractionation of oxygen isotopes between minerals during metamorphism and fluid-rock interaction includes a database (DBOXYGEN) and two computer tools (ThermoOx & PTloop) for thermobarometry. DBOXYGEN is an internally-consitent database for oxygen isotope fractionation factors. It includes fractionation factors for most of the major and accessory phases and allows mineral assemblages to be considered, rather than individual mineral couples. ThermoOx is a software solution developed for an effective use of the database DBOXYGEN for thermometry and uncertainty calculation. PTloop is a computer model combining thermodynamic calculations and oxygen isotope fractionation modeling to simulate multi-rock and open metamorphic systems evolving along any P-T trajectory. These tools were developed in collaboration with Alice Vho (University of Bern).
Thermobarometry
GRTMOD – Iterative thermodynamic model for garnet
GRTMOD is a program for modeling garnet growth and resorption in metamorphic rocks. The main routine uses an inverse approach to fit the garnet composition predicted by thermodynamic forward models with the one measured by the mean of standardized X-ray maps. The main goal of GRTMOD is to optimize pressure, temperature and the reactive bulk composition to accurately model the successive growth zones of natural garnet. GRTMOD is the first iterative thermodynamic model optimizing the reactive bulk composition at every stage (iteration).
Geochronology
SSAC & Trinity – U-Th-Pb data reduction
SSAC is a program for processing SIMS data and TRINITY for processing LA-ICP-MS data. These programs allows U-Th-Pb ages to be calculated for Allanite and Zircon from SIMS and LA-ICP-MS spot-analyses using appropriate uncertainty propagation routines. I developped SSAC during my Postdoc whereas TRINITY was developed by M. Burn (University of Bern).
Thermodynamics
ChlMicaEqui – Multi-equilibrium using Vidal’s models
ChlMicaEqui is a modeling tool for calculating and plotting equilibria using the thermodynamic data and solution models developed by Olivier Vidal. ChlMicaEqui can be used for spot analyses or using quantitative compositional maps. A description of this program is available, in french, in my Ph.D. thesis. This program is not available for public use.
Thermodynamics
Meamp – Optimization and plot of thermodynamic functions
Meamp is a collection of programs for for multi-equilibrium calculations using different thermodynamic datasets and solid solution models. The main module allows standard state properties and solid solution parameters to be adjusted automatically by non-linerar regression using experimental or natural data. A description of Meamp is available, in french, in my Ph.D. thesis. This program is not available for public use.