A discussion of the use of the communication tool in identifying candidate technologies for chemical weapons detection is presented in Appendix G. The matrix shown in Table 6-3 summarizes the results of comparing specification requirements and attributes of candidate sensing technologies using the descriptors. Anticipated problems in meeting specification requirements with available technologies have been marked "X," and particularly desirable features of the candidate systems have been marked with a "+." Use of the descriptor terminology and approach developed in Chapter 2 is extremely useful in conducting a comparative evaluation of different technologies.

An analysis of the data in Table 6-3 indicates that:

• no single candidate technology can fulfill all the specified requirements for detection of Schedule II compounds;

• existing sensor technologies are inadequate in several areas, most notably selectivity; and

• there may be a very fine distinction between desirable attributes.

The framework tool developed in Chapter 2 can be useful in identifying general areas (sensitivity, selectivity, etc.) for development of sensors to meet specific application needs and in highlighting potentially significant development costs. However, the committee noted that, for a given application, additional descriptors may be needed, such as one that summarizes the status of sensor development. Such a descriptor would permit the identification of technology deficiencies in particular areas, allowing the user to make a better estimation of the likely cost to bring a particular sensor technology up to the required performance level.