In an era where autonomous driving and new energy vehicles are rapidly evolving, the demand for advanced perception systems has never been higher. Traditional frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LiDAR systems provide high-resolution 3D imaging but lack the ability to monitor critical environmental and internal parameters. A breakthrough from Harbin Institute of Technology introduces a multifunctional FMCW LiDAR that overcomes this limitation by integrating 3D imaging with multi-parameter sensing in a single device.
The innovative system, detailed in Light: Science & Applications (DOI: 10.37188/lam.2026.102), leverages the principle of optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) to extend LiDAR capabilities. By analyzing echo signals from both free space and optical fiber, the LiDAR can simultaneously perform high-precision ranging and measure environmental temperature, gas concentrations, and liquid density. This dual functionality addresses a critical safety concern in electric vehicles: thermal runaway of batteries, which requires coordinated monitoring of temperature, electrolyte density, and characteristic gases.
In proof-of-concept experiments, the team demonstrated 3D imaging of a target at 30 meters with adjustable resolution from 0.3 cm to 1.2 cm. They also achieved accurate measurements of battery electrolyte density and temperature, with accuracies of 3×10⁻⁵ g/mL and 0.5 °C, respectively. Furthermore, the system detected gases such as C₂H₂, CO₂, and CH₄—key indicators for thermal runaway—with detection limits of 0.07 ppm, 48 ppm, and 0.56 ppm, respectively.
The multifunctional LiDAR works by detecting reflection peaks from a collimator and target to calculate distance, while fiber Bragg gratings (FBG), Fabry-Perot (FP) cavities, and multi-pass cells (MPC) enable spectral demodulation for sensing. This integration allows the system to perform the functions of both an autonomous driving sensor and a battery management system with a single demodulator, potentially simplifying system architecture and reducing costs.
Led by Professor Yongkang Dong, the research team believes this technology holds significant promise for new energy vehicles and spacecraft, where compact, multifunctional sensing is crucial. The study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China and other national foundations.
The development marks a step forward in sensor fusion, offering an integrated solution that could enhance the safety and efficiency of future transportation systems. As the automotive industry continues to prioritize safety and autonomy, such multifunctional LiDAR systems may become integral components in the next generation of vehicles.
