Chemical detection of vapour-phase analytes is increasingly moving toward deployment of low size, weight and power (SWaP) instruments. Each measurement technique has its strengths and shortcomings. Advanced colourimetry can provide and fill a needed role in this mission space. In this review, an overview of the methods for colourimetric detection of analyte vapours is provided in the context of both qualitative and quantitative determination. A parametric analysis of the colourimetric sensor design is presented to help inform the design of highly sensitive colourimetric sensors for analyte quantification. Included is a discussion on factors leading to deviations from ideal sensor performance. This review also identifies extensions in the use space for colourimetry as well as key challenges in further sensor development.

气相分析物的化学检测越来越倾向于部署小尺寸、重量和功率 (SWaP) 仪器。每种测量技术都有其优点和缺点。先进的比色法可以在这个任务空间中提供并填补所需的角色。在这篇综述中，在定性和定量测定的背景下提供了对分析物蒸气的比色检测方法的概述。提出了比色传感器设计的参数分析，以帮助设计用于分析物定量的高灵敏度比色传感器。其中包括对导致偏离理想传感器性能的因素的讨论。该审查还确定了色度测量使用空间的扩展以及进一步传感器开发的关键挑战。