Central tracking with micro strip gas chambers in CMS

A central tracking detector based on micro strip gas chambers (MSGC) for the compact muon solenoid (CMS) at LHC is part of a hybrid inner tracking system to be operated in a 4 Tesla magnetic field. Expected performance in terms of momentum resolution, rate capability and long term survivability will be discussed. Considerable efforts in simulation studies have been made, to optimize the tracking system for pattern recognition and track finding efficiencies. A preliminary engineering study on mechanical stability and heat load shows that the detector structures can be made sufficiently stiff to maintain systematic alignment precision within the intrinsic spatial measurement accuracy of the detector. (orig.)