The Best RAG Technique Yet? Anthropic’s Contextual Retrieval Explained!


Summary

Anthropic has introduced a powerful retrieval mechanism called contextual retrieval, which, when paired with re-ranking, has proven to be incredibly effective. This technique involves utilizing chunking strategies and embedding similarity to enhance the retrieval accuracy of information. By automatically adding contextual details using Language Model (LLM), RAG systems are optimized, resulting in significant improvement in retrieval accuracy and performance. Considerations for customization include embedding models, chunk sizes, and evaluation methodologies to ensure the system works efficiently. The importance of RAG in the context of long context LLMs is emphasized, showcasing its relevance in enhancing information retrieval processes.


Introduction to Contextual Retrieval

Anthropic has introduced a new retrieval mechanism called contextual retrieval, which has shown to be the best performing technique when combined with re-ranking. It is described more as a chunking strategy than a new RAG technique.

Understanding RAG Working

Exploration of how RAG works, including computing embeddings, storing them in a vector store, runtime processes, and response generation based on embedding similarity.

Limitations of Keyword-Based Search Mechanisms

Discussion on the limitations of keyword-based search mechanisms in retrieving specific information, with examples highlighting the lack of contextual information and potential inaccuracies.

Contextual Information in Chunk Creation

Importance of including contextual information in chunk creation and the recommendation to add contextual details automatically using LLM to enhance retrieval accuracy.

Performance Improvement Expectations

Overview of the performance improvements achieved through Anthropic's scientific study on contextual retrieval, showing significant enhancements in retrieval accuracy.

Optimizing RAG Systems

Recommendations for optimizing RAG systems by incorporating keyword-based search mechanisms, dense embedding models, and re-rankers to achieve better performance.

Considerations for Customization

Factors to consider for customization, such as embedding models, the number of chunks to return, and measurement methodologies for evaluating system performance.

Cost Efficiency and Prompt Caching

Discussion on cost implications of LLM usage and the benefits of prompt caching in reducing costs significantly.

Replicating Results and Vector DB Creation

Explanation of replicating results by using BM25, re-ranking, and the voyage embedding model along with insights on creating the vector database efficiently.

Accuracy Metrics and Contextualized Embeddings

Analysis of accuracy metrics in retrieving relevant chunks using contextualized embeddings, showcasing improvements in retrieval accuracy for top chunks with added contextual information.

Relevance of RAG in Modern Context

Highlighting the relevance of RAG in the era of long context LLMs and its significance in information retrieval processes.

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