What is the purpose of splitting documents into smaller overlapping chunks in a RAG system?

In Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems, splitting documents into smaller overlapping chunks is a crucial preprocessing step that enhances the system's ability to match relevant passages to user queries.

1. Purpose of Splitting Documents into Smaller Overlapping Chunks:

Improved Retrieval Accuracy:Dividing documents into smaller, manageable segments allows the system to retrieve the most relevant chunks in response to a user query, thereby improving the precision of the information provided.

Context Preservation:Overlapping chunks ensure that contextual information is maintained across segments, which is essential for understanding the meaning and relevance of each chunk in relation to the query.

2. Benefits of This Approach:

Enhanced Matching:By having multiple overlapping chunks, the system increases the likelihood that at least one chunk will closely match the user's query, leading to more accurate and relevant responses.

Efficient Processing:Smaller chunks are easier to process and analyze, enabling the system to handle large documents more effectively and respond to queries promptly.