Multifunctional FMCW LiDAR Enables Simultaneous 3D Imaging and Multi-Parameter Sensing for Enhanced Vehicle Safety

In a significant advancement for autonomous driving and new energy vehicles, researchers have introduced a multifunctional frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LiDAR system that can simultaneously perform high-precision 3D imaging and multi-parameter sensing. This innovation addresses the critical need for integrated systems that can monitor both external environments and internal battery states, potentially enhancing vehicle safety.

Traditional FMCW LiDAR systems offer high-resolution 3D imaging but are limited in functionality, unable to detect battery internal conditions or environmental parameters. Thermal runaway in batteries, a major safety concern for electric vehicles, requires early warning through coordinated monitoring of multiple parameters such as temperature, electrolyte density, and characteristic gases. Currently, these functions are handled by separate systems, leading to increased complexity, cost, and integration challenges. The new multifunctional LiDAR, developed by Professor Yongkang Dong and colleagues at Harbin Institute of Technology, overcomes these limitations by detecting echo signals from both free space and optical fiber, enabling 3D imaging and sensing of diverse physical parameters simultaneously.

In their proof-of-concept experiments, the team demonstrated imaging of a target at 30 meters with adjustable resolution from 0.3 cm to 1.2 cm. They also measured the electrolyte density and temperature of a battery with accuracies of 3×10⁻⁵ g/mL and 0.5 °C, respectively. Additionally, they achieved detection limits of 0.07 ppm for C2H2, 48 ppm for CO2, and 0.56 ppm for CH4—gases critical for monitoring battery thermal runaway. The system leverages optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) in the fiber path, which shares the same linear modulation principle as FMCW, allowing high spatial resolution and large dynamic range for sensing strain, temperature, pressure, and gas concentration.

By integrating both LiDAR and OFDR into a single demodulator, the multifunctional system can perform key functions of autonomous driving and battery management concurrently. This integrated approach holds significant promise for new energy vehicles, offering a unified solution to improve safety. The research, published in Light: Science & Applications (DOI: 10.37188/lam.2026.102), was supported by several Chinese national and provincial funding programs.

The implications of this development are profound. For new energy vehicles, the ability to monitor battery health in real time while also performing 3D imaging for navigation could lead to more reliable and safer electric vehicles. Furthermore, the technology's potential extends to spacecraft, where environmental sensing and imaging are crucial. As the automotive industry moves toward higher levels of autonomy, such multifunctional sensors could become integral components, reducing system complexity and cost. This research marks a step forward in sensor integration, potentially paving the way for more compact and efficient perception systems in future vehicles.