A simulation study of clustering in the VELO test-beam software for data with different values of signal-to-noise

A simulation is used to study the clustering algorithm implemented in the LHCb VELO test-beam software. Different values of the signal-to-noise are examined and the differences in cluster width, cluster signal and spatial resolution are noted. The variation of these observables as a function of the clustering algorithm parameters is investigated. Problems with low signal-to-noise values are highlighted and potential solutions discussed.