CMS Tracker Alignment and Implications on Physics Performance

A current overview of CMS tracker alignment is given. The overall alignment strategy is presented with an emphasis on track-based alignment as well as inputs from optical survey and the laser alignment system. Recent studies with cosmic ray data and simulation are presented, including an initial study with cosmic data involving a nearly full CMS tracker. Finally, a study is presented on the effect of alignment on physics performance, in particular, the impact on tracking. Results from current studies have been very encouraging for CMS tracker alignment in preparation for LHC startup.