Development of the Radiocarbon Calibration Program

TLDR

The latest OxCal version introduces new algorithms for handling multiple phases, alongside cosmetic updates. The paper reviews key developments in the OxCal radiocarbon calibration program. The authors discuss the theoretical framework, present model calculations, and describe enhanced convergence diagnostics and testing techniques for the calibration models. The updated sampling algorithms improve Bayesian convergence.

Abstract

This paper highlights some of the main developments to the radiocarbon calibration program, OxCal. In addition to many cosmetic changes, the latest version of OxCal uses some different algorithms for the treatment of multiple phases. The theoretical framework behind these is discussed and some model calculations demonstrated. Significant changes have also been made to the sampling algorithms used which improve the convergence of the Bayesian analysis. The convergence itself is also reported in a more comprehensive way so that problems can be traced to specific parts of the model. The use of convergence data, and other techniques for testing the implications of particular models, are described.