Inversion, of resolution

Let two peaks of equal height in a mass spectrum at masses m and m, Am, be separated by a valley which at its lowest point is just 10% of the height of either peak. For similar peaks at a mass exceeding m, let the height of the valley at its lowest point be more (by any amount) than 10% of either peak. Then the resolution (10% valley definition) is m/Am. The ratio m/Am should be given for a number of values of m [4], Comment. This is a typical example of the confusion regarding the definition of the term resolution. Here resolution is used instead of the more appropriate phrase mass resolving power (which is the inverse of resolution). 

Increase and resolution are important concepts in microscopy. No use obtains large increases if there is no good resolution. But one has to distinguish resolution of resolving power. While resolution means the smallest distance that one can distinguish between two points, resolving power is, for a given instmment, the ability to resolve details of the observed material, and it is represented as the inverse of resolution measure. 

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