What effect does a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) have on image resolution?

A high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) significantly improves image resolution because it indicates that the signal (the desired information in the image) is much stronger compared to the background noise (unwanted variations). When the SNR is high, the images produced have clearer details and finer textures, allowing for better distinction of features within the image. This clarity leads to a more accurate representation of the subject being imaged.

In imaging systems, high SNR helps in minimizing the impact of noise that can obscure vital details. As a result, images with high SNR tend to have sharper edges and more defined features, which are critical for tasks that require precise measurements or diagnostics. Thus, enhanced SNR directly correlates with improved image quality and resolution, making every detail more discernible to the viewer or to the analyzing software.