Title
Resolution and Resolving Power in Mass Spectrometry
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-7-2022
Abstract
The term resolution is one of the most important in mass spectrometry because it describes the ability to separate peaks in mass spectra. The term resolving power is often used to describe the ability of a mass spectrometer to resolve adjacent peaks in a mass spectrum and is often used interchangeably with resolution. The separation of peaks for singly charged ions can be expressed as a mass difference and the ratio is often given as a quantitative measure of the ability of a mass spectrometer to separate ions. Over the past 50 years, several definitions of mass resolution and mass resolving power have been recommended both by the International Union for Pure and Applied Chemistry and the American Society for Mass Spectrometry that define both resolution or resolving power as /Δ which has led to confusion about the proper use of these terms. The goal of this work is to investigate the origins and use as well as prior and current definitions of resolution and resolving power and make recommendations for the definition of these terms.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry
First Page
2342
Last Page
2347
Recommended Citation
Murray, K. K. (2022). Resolution and Resolving Power in Mass Spectrometry. Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry, 33 (12), 2342-2347. https://doi.org/10.1021/jasms.2c00216