A fast algorithm for Monte Carlo simulations of multiple Coulomb scattering

Abstract We present a new algorithm to include the effects of multiple Coulomb scattering in the Monte Carlo simulation of the transport of fast charged particles through the constituents of an experimental apparatus. This algorithm is an approximation to the analytic description of multiple scattering by Moliere and others, which provides proper treatment of large angles (beyond the region of validity for the small angle approximation) and allows the fast generation of random scattering angles as needed for Monte Carlo simulations.