Method and apparatus for continuous gas monitoring using micro-colorimetric sensing and optical tracking of color spatial distribution

A micro-colorimetric sensor, comprising:

• a substrate having a top surface;
• a plurality of parallel linear channels of porous media entrenched into the substrate, wherein each linear channel includes a sensing material adapted to sense one of several specific target chemicals in air;
• wherein each of the plurality of parallel linear channels is separated by barrier material from the adjacent parallel linear channel where the barrier material blocks diffusion of chemicals from one linear channel to another;
• a means to determine spatial distribution of color generated from the chemical reaction of analytes with the sensing material along each channel;
• and
• a plate affixed over the top surface of the substrate to cover the plurality of parallel linear channels.

A method of making a micro-colorimetric sensor comprising:

• providing a substrate having a top surface;
• entrenching a plurality of parallel linear channels of porous media into the substrate;
• embedding a selected one of a plurality of sensing materials into each of the plurality of parallel linear channels, wherein each of the sensing materials are adapted to sense one of several specific target chemicals in air;
• separating the plurality of parallel linear channels is by barrier material from the adjacent parallel linear channel where the barrier material blocks diffusion of chemicals from one linear channel to another;
• a means to determine spatial distribution of color generated from the chemical reaction of analytes with the sensing material along each channel;
• and
• affixing a plate over the substrate top surface to cover the plurality of parallel linear channels so as to form a micro-colorimetric sensor having an inlet.