Diagnostics of Chemical and Biological Agents

A detection scheme is a system that detects the agent, correctly identifies the agent, and defines the area of exposure. A number of different technologies are available today to detect chemical agents. Sensors are primarily designed to 

A sensor array may be a set of sensors with different sensitivities and limited selectivities. Multielement sensor arrays can provide multiple data points per sample and can discriminate against interferences. The pattern of response, which is distinct for different agents, can be used to identify an unknown component using 

Rapid detection - under a minute - allows military targets and first responders to recognize a threat and implement physical protection protocols. Identifying the extent of the contamination is also critical to prevent associated casualties. 

The ability to detect very low concentrations of agents will always be desirable, if for no other reason than to ensure long-term exposure in a previously contaminated environment wiU not have consequences. For example, one of the initial symptoms of low-concentration exposure to nerve agent vapor is affected vision. This may have disastrous consequences for occupations such as fighter pilots. Nanoscale sensors have been demonstrated to detect single moieties but, thus far, only when those moieties can be delivered to a very small detection volume.  

Detecting and identifying an aerosolized or contaminated biological agent before contact is made is referred to as remote or standoff detection. With aerosols, the initial criterion for monitoring and surveillance of potential biological agent at a 

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