TRACKING WITH THE ALEPH TIME PROJECTION CHAMBER

The tracking performance of the ALEPH time projection chamber (TPC) has been studied using the data taken during the LEP (Large Electron-Positron Collider) running periods in 1989 and 1990. After careful correction of residual distortions and optimization of coordinate reconstruction algorithms, a single coordinate resolution of 173 mu m in the azimuthal and 740 mu m in the longitudinal direction is achieved. This results in a momentum resolution for the TPC alone of Delta p/p/sup 2/=0.0012 (GeV/c)/sup -1/. In combination with the ALEPH inner tracking chamber (ITC), a total momentum resolution of Delta p/p/sup 2/=0.0008 (GeV/c)/sup -1/, close to the design specifications, is reached. >