A chemical sensing system has: an interrogation unit operable to
wirelessly transmit an interrogation signal and wirelessly receive a
response; an environmentally sealed container for holding a chemical
analyte; a sensor array unit in fluid communication with the analyte
disposed within the container, where the sensor array unit is operable to
generate a response in the presence of a chemical stimulus; and a passive
responder unit connected with the sensor array unit, the responder unit
being powered from the interrogation signal, where the responder unit is
operable to wirelessly receive the interrogation signal and wirelessly
transmit the response to the interrogation signal to the interrogation
unit.