Deconvolution Resolution
Assessing the Effective Resolution
of Mass Analyzer Hardware and Software
Figure 1: Deconvolution Resolution.
Mass analyzers typically have resolution limits that determine the closest spacing beyond which they cannot separate nearly isobaric species. Deconvolution Resolution is the degree to which nearly isobaric peaks can be distinguished (deconvolved) at the resolution of the mass analyzer, and is defined as the peak width at half height divided by the resolvable mass difference between two peaks. This dimensionless variable normalizes analyzer resolution to facilitate comparison of peak detection and centroiding software packages. Above a value near “1”, overlapping peaks become indistinguishable on any mass analyzer (Figure 1).
Limiting Deconvolution Resolution
Limiting Deconvolution Resolution is the maximum Deconvolution Resolution at which centroiding software can correctly detect and deconvolve nearly isobaric peaks.