Track Fit Hypothesis Testing and Kink Selection using Sequential Correlations

Abstract

Deviations between the form of trajectory assumed in a fit to a set of measurements and the actual form of the trajectory can give rise to sequential correlations in the residuals from the fit. These correlations can provide a more powerful goodness-of-fit test than that based on the minimum chi-square from a least squares fit. The use of this additional information is explored in the context of several common trajectory errors (e.g. decays in flight) encountered in charged particle tracking.

arXiv comment10 pages, 5 figures