We give an overview of track fitting using the Kalman filter method in the
NOMAD detector at CERN, and emphasize how the wealth of by-product information
can be used to analyze track breakpoints (discontinuities in track parameters
caused by scattering, decay, etc.). After reviewing how this information has
been previously exploited by others, we describe extensions which add power to
breakpoint detection and characterization. We show how complete fits to the
entire track, with breakpoint parameters added, can be easily obtained from the
information from unbroken fits. Tests inspired by the Fisher F-test can then be
used to judge breakpoints. Signed quantities (such as change in momentum at the
breakpoint) can supplement unsigned quantities such as the various chisquares.
We illustrate the method with electrons from real data, and with Monte Carlo
simulations of pion decays.Comment: 27 pages including 10 figures. To appear in NI
