Applying Gaussian Mixture Models to Track Reconstruction in Inelastic Scattering Experiments with Active Targets

Abstract

Active targets such as ACTAR TPC are well suited for studying giant resonances in unstable nuclei via inelastic scattering in inverse kinematics. A key challenge in such measurements is the detection of low-energy ejectiles emitted at small angles relative to the beam direction. Accurate reconstruction of these tracks is essential for disentangling different resonance modes. Probabilistic models such as the Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) are particularly effective in capturing the complex covariance structures characteristic of the beam-recoil interface in narrow-angle events. In this work, we present a track reconstruction approach based on the GMM, specifically designed for inelastic scattering experiments with active targets. Special emphasis is placed on the treatment of low-energy tracks. The proposed method is demonstrated on simulated data of the $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}(α,α')^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$ reaction at an incident energy of $E=49$~MeV/nucleon, generated under conditions representative of the experiment carried out at GANIL for the same reaction.