A cluster algorithm for jet studies

A procedure is described which determines the number of jets in hadronic final states by means of a cluster algorithm. In addition it yields a measurement of the energy and the direction of each jet. The properties of this method are studied using Monte Carlo simulations of different types ofe ⁺ e ^?-annihilation final states. It is shown that in the case of 3-jet events direct comparison with the underlying parton structure can be made. Possible further applications of this method are discussed.