Useful spatial resolution

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-012474",
  "term": "Useful spatial resolution",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The smallest distance between two features on a sample surface that can be distinguished as separate entities in an analytical measurement. This resolution is limited by factors such as the probe size, interaction volume, and signal-to-noise ratio. In secondary-ion mass spectrometry, it defines the level of detail achievable in elemental mapping.",
  "subject": "Analytical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "secondary-ion mass spectrometry"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2020, 92, 1781. 'Glossary of methods and terms used in surface chemical analysis (IUPAC Recommendations 2020)' on page 1846 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2019-0404)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/useful-spatial-resolution/"
}