In a significant advancement for autonomous driving and electric vehicle safety, researchers at Harbin Institute of Technology have developed a multifrequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LiDAR system capable of simultaneous 3D imaging and multi-parameter sensing. The new technology, published in Light: Science & Applications, addresses a critical gap in current perception systems by combining high-resolution imaging with the ability to monitor battery health and environmental conditions in real time.
Traditional FMCW LiDAR systems provide high-precision 3D imaging but lack the ability to detect crucial parameters such as battery temperature, electrolyte density, or the presence of hazardous gases. This limitation is particularly concerning for electric vehicles, where thermal runaway—a dangerous chain reaction in batteries—poses a significant safety risk. Early detection of thermal runaway relies on monitoring multiple parameters simultaneously, including temperature, electrolyte density, and characteristic gases. Currently, these functions require separate imaging and sensing systems, leading to increased complexity, higher 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 measurement of environmental temperature, gas concentrations, and liquid density in a single device. In proof-of-concept experiments, the system imaged a target at 30 meters with adjustable resolution from 0.3 cm to 1.2 cm. It also measured electrolyte density and temperature of a battery with accuracies of 3×10⁻⁵ g/mL and 0.5 °C, respectively. Additionally, it detected concentrations of gases critical for monitoring thermal runaway—acetylene (C2H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4)—with detection limits of 0.07 ppm, 48 ppm, and 0.56 ppm, respectively.
The technology works by extending FMCW LiDAR principles into optical fibers, creating an optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) system that offers high spatial resolution and large dynamic range. By demodulating reflection peaks from fiber Bragg gratings (FBG), Fabry-Perot (FP) cavities, and multi-pass cells (MPC), the system can simultaneously measure various physical parameters while performing 3D imaging.
According to the research team, this multifunctional LiDAR can realize the key functions of both autonomous driving systems and battery management in new energy vehicles with a single demodulator. This integrated approach could significantly enhance vehicle safety by providing continuous monitoring of battery conditions and environmental factors, potentially preventing catastrophic failures.
The implications extend beyond electric vehicles. The technology holds promise for spacecraft, where monitoring multiple parameters in harsh environments is critical. The researchers note that the system could provide a new integrated solution for improving safety in new energy vehicles, offering a path toward more reliable and efficient perception systems.
The study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and other funding sources. The full research is available in Light: Science & Applications with DOI: 10.37188/lam.2026.102.
