1. n. []

An electrode device with small spacings from which the current flow, and hence the measurement, is focused a short distance into the formation. Introduced in 1953, the microlaterolog measures the resistivity of the flushed zone with minimum influence from the mudcake or the undisturbed zone. The central current emitting electrode (A0) is surrounded by a guard electrode that emits sufficient current to focus the current from A0 a certain distance into the formation. The electrodes are mounted on a pad that is pressed against the borehole wall. In a typical tool design, 90% of the signal comes from within 3 in. [7.6 cm] of the pad, ensuring that the undisturbed zone rarely has an effect.

See related terms: electrode resistivity,  flushed zone,  microresistivity