Tracking detectors are devices used in particle physics to identify the paths of charged particles. They work by measuring the ionization produced when a particle passes through a medium, such as gas or semiconductor material. This information helps scientists reconstruct the particle's trajectory and determine its properties, such as momentum and charge. These detectors are often used in large experiments, such as those at CERN or Fermilab, where high-energy collisions produce numerous particles. By analyzing the data from tracking detectors, researchers can gain insights into fundamental questions about the universe, including the behavior of subatomic particles and the forces that govern them.