In a significant advancement for autonomous driving and new energy vehicle safety, researchers have introduced a multifunctional frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LiDAR system that can perform high-precision 3D imaging and multi-parameter sensing simultaneously. This innovative technology, detailed in a recent publication in Light: Science & Applications, addresses the critical need for integrated sensing solutions in modern vehicles, where thermal runaway in batteries poses a major safety concern.
Traditional FMCW LiDAR systems excel in high-resolution 3D imaging but lack the ability to monitor internal battery states or environmental parameters. To overcome this limitation, the team, led by Professor Yongkang Dong from the Harbin Institute of Technology, developed a system that detects echo signals from both free space and optical fiber. This dual-detection approach enables the simultaneous measurement of environmental temperature, gas concentrations, and liquid density, alongside 3D imaging.
In proof-of-concept experiments, the LiDAR successfully imaged a target at 30 meters with adjustable resolution from 0.3 cm to 1.2 cm. The system also measured the electrolyte density and temperature of a battery with accuracies of 3×10⁻⁵ g/mL and 0.5 °C, respectively. Furthermore, it detected critical gases for thermal runaway monitoring—C2H2, CO2, and CH4—with detection limits of 0.07 ppm, 48 ppm, and 0.56 ppm, respectively.
The operational principle leverages the integration of FMCW LiDAR with optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR). By extending the technology into optical fibers, the system can perform distributed sensing with high spatial resolution. This allows for the demodulation of reflection spectra from fiber Bragg gratings, Fabry-Perot interferometers, and multi-pass cells, enabling the measurement of various parameters.
“A multifunctional FMCW LiDAR system is proposed for the first time, which has ability of 3D imaging of objects in free space and sensing of multi-parameter simultaneously,” explain the researchers. This breakthrough could provide a new integrated solution for enhancing the safety of new energy vehicles, potentially replacing separate imaging and sensing systems with a single, cost-effective device.
The implications extend beyond automotive applications. The technology holds promise for spacecraft, where compact, multifunctional sensing is crucial. By consolidating multiple sensors into one LiDAR unit, the system reduces complexity and cost, making it a compelling option for various industries.
This research was supported by several grants, including the National Key Research and Development Program of China and the National Natural Science Foundation of China. The findings were published in Light: Science & Applications with DOI 10.37188/lam.2026.102, and the full article is available at this link.
