Tracking detector alignment using constrained vertex fits

We present a method to align between sections of a particle tracking detector exploiting the fact that most of the tracks in an event originate from a common spatial point. The method optimizes the reconstruction of interaction vertices of high energy particle collisions and is particularly useful for aligning sections of a detector which cover different ranges of the 4/spl pi/ solid angle. A fast algorithm, suitable for online use, is derived. We demonstrate this method for the P238 vertex detector and present results with data and simulation. >