A new multifunctional frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LiDAR system has been developed, capable of simultaneous high-precision 3D imaging and multi-parameter sensing. This innovation addresses the growing need for integrated perception systems in new energy vehicles and autonomous driving technologies, where safety and efficiency are paramount.
Traditional FMCW LiDAR systems provide excellent 3D imaging but lack the ability to monitor internal battery states or environmental parameters. Thermal runaway in batteries, a significant safety risk for electric vehicles, requires early warning through the coordinated monitoring of multiple parameters such as temperature, electrolyte density, and characteristic gases. Currently, these functions are typically handled by separate imaging and sensing systems, leading to high complexity, increased costs, and integration challenges. The proposed multifunctional LiDAR overcomes these limitations by detecting echo signals from both free space and optical fiber, enabling 3D imaging and measurements of environmental temperature, gas concentrations, and liquid density simultaneously.
The research, published in Light: Science & Applications (DOI: 10.37188/lam.2026.102), was led by Professor Yongkang Dong from the National Key Laboratory of Laser Spatial Information, Harbin Institute of Technology, China, and Zhengzhou Research Institute. In proof-of-concept experiments, the team imaged a plastic plate with a "HIT" symbol at a distance of 30 meters with adjustable resolution from 0.3 cm to 1.2 cm. They also measured sulfuric acid solution as a proxy for battery electrolyte, achieving accuracies of 3×10⁻⁵ g/mL for density and 0.5 °C for temperature. Gas concentrations of C2H2, CO2, and CH4, which are critical for monitoring thermal runaway, were measured with detection limits of 0.07 ppm, 48 ppm, and 0.56 ppm, respectively.
The system integrates FMCW LiDAR with optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR), which uses the same linearly modulated continuous light source for fiber-optic sensing. This approach leverages high spatial resolution and large dynamic range, making it suitable for various sensing applications. By combining these technologies, the multifunctional LiDAR can perform both free-space imaging and fiber-based sensing with a single demodulator, simplifying the system architecture.
The researchers highlight that this technique can simultaneously realize key functions of automatic driving systems and battery management in new energy vehicles with only one demodulator. This integrated solution is expected to significantly improve vehicle safety and reduce costs. The multifunctional LiDAR also holds promise for spacecraft applications, where compact and versatile sensing systems are crucial. The team envisions widespread adoption in the new energy vehicle industry, providing a new pathway to enhance operational safety.
