As one of the core components of the sensors based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) technology, multi-pass cell (MPC) is used to increase the path length of a laser beam interacting with gas samples to be measured, so as to improve the detection sensitivity. In recent years, with the increasing demand of small size and long optical path for the laser sensors, the development of MPC with small size and long optical path length has become a research hotspot. This review mainly introduces the current research progress and applications of MPCs, presents the theoretical calculation model of Herriott cell, and then analyzes the theoretical calculation model of MPCs based on the spherical mirror aberration theory. The construction of a sensor system based on a miniature MPC and TDLAS technology is elaborated. At last, the advantages of the miniature MPC and its applications in future are discussed.