The interaction of chemical species with molecular films of porphyrins caus
es variations of the work function of the film itself, as it has been recen
tly demonstrated by using the Kelvin probe technique. This characteristic m
akes porphyrins films suitable to be used as sensitive layers in ChemFET se
nsors. In this paper, we present a preliminary report about the fabrication
and testing of such gas sensitive devices. The technological solutions tow
ards an optimised device are also illustrated and discussed. (C) 2001 Elsev
ier Science B.V. All rights reserved.