The selective layer on a gas phase chemical microsensor plays a critical role in the sensitivity and selectivity of the sensor's response. Polymers can rapidly and reversibly absorb vapor molecules. As sorptive layers on chemical sensors, polymers are useful for a variety of chemical microsensor types and transduction mechanisms, either as is or as composites with conductive particles or dyes. The performance requirements for polymers are described in terms of their chemical and physical properties. A versatile synthetic approach for preparing sensing polymers has been developed using hydrosilylation chemistry to prepare carbosiloxane polymers. Polymers with diverse chemical selectivities have been prepared by this method. Furthermore, sorptive polymer materials can be photopatterned into defined areas on surfaces using a photoactivated catalyst and hydrosilylation chemistry. Polymer films with diverse chemical selectivities have been patterned with this new method.

Much interest is being shown in reducing program development costs and increasing program reliability. The large number of potential applications which are still not computerized attests to user dissatisfaction with the high cost of developing and maintaining software. These unimplemented applications form a backlog which is slowing the growth of computerization. (A recent survey showed that many mature user installations are facing a three-year applications backlog.) These problems beg for a solution.