Let $C(r)$ be the origin-centered circle of radius $r$,
and let $\beta(r)$ be the *exterior buffer* around $C(r)$:
the distance from $C(r)$ to the closest lattice point exterior to $C(r)$:
<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;![BetaBuffer][1]<br />
For example, $\beta(2) = \sqrt{5}-2 \approx 0.24$ because there are no lattice
points strictly between $C(2)$ and $C(\sqrt{5})$, and this is the largest
buffer around $C(2)$.

I am interested in the behavior of $\beta(r)$ for large $r \in \mathbb{R}$,
as I believe understanding that behavior will answer my question
concerning *ratchet spirals*,
[Lattice radial-step (ratchet) spirals][2].

I'll pose a specific question before formulating the general question.

> **Q1**. Is there an $R$ such that, for all $r > R$, $\beta(r) < \frac{1}{2}$ ?

If so, then, for example,
the spiral $S(3,\frac{1}{2})$ depicted in that question is unbounded.

> **Q2**. Is there an $R(\epsilon)$ such that, 
for all $r > R(\epsilon)$, $\beta(r) < \epsilon$,
where $0 < \epsilon < 1$ ?


  [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/nrW9t.jpg
  [2]: http://mathoverflow.net/q/145963/6094