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

A method for making a micro-colorimetric sensor, the method comprising:

• providing a substrate having a substrate top surface;
• entrenching a plurality of parallel linear channels containing porous media into the substrate, wherein each of the parallel linear channels comprises an inlet end and an outlet end;
• 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 from the adjacent parallel linear channel by barrier material that blocks diffusion of chemicals from one linear channel to another;
• providing 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.