Subject: Resolution and Resolving Power
From: "Robert E. Fields"
Date: 24 Nov 1996 14:04:05 -0500
I have a question about resolution and resolving power. Maybe I'm missing
something because it seems like such a simple question, but I've been
sifting through the literature and having trouble coming up with an answer.
I've found resolution defined as (delta)m/m and also as m/(delta)m - even
in different chapters of the same book though by different authors. When it
is quoted as "parts" the implication is (delta)m/m - i.e. 1 part in 1500.
Resolving power seems to always be defined as m/(delta)m.
I believe the correct answer is that resolution is (delta)m/m and resolving
power the inverse, but have seen so many quote mass spectrometer resolution
as m/(delta)m that I have to ask.
Is there an accepted/correct convention or are these essentially used
interchangably with the meaning clear from the use?
Thanks in advance,
Robert Fields
