Multifunctional LiDAR Revolutionizes Vehicle Safety and Imaging

In a groundbreaking development for autonomous driving and electric vehicle safety, a team of scientists led by Professor Yongkang Dong from the Harbin Institute of Technology has unveiled a multifunctional LiDAR system that combines high-precision 3D imaging with multi-parameter sensing. This innovative technology, detailed in a paper published in Light: Science & Applications, marks the first time a single FMCW LiDAR can simultaneously measure environmental temperature, gas concentrations, and liquid density while performing 3D imaging. By detecting echo signals from both free space and optical fibers, the system leverages optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) to achieve this dual functionality.

The researchers demonstrated the system's capabilities by imaging a target at 30 meters with adjustable resolution from 0.3 cm to 1.2 cm, and accurately measuring electrolyte density and temperature of a battery (with accuracies of 3×10⁻⁵ g/mL and 0.5 °C, respectively). Additionally, the system detected critical gases for battery thermal runaway monitoring, including C2H2, CO2, and CH4, with detection limits as low as 0.07 ppm, 48 ppm, and 0.56 ppm. This multifunctional LiDAR holds significant potential for applications in new energy vehicles and spacecraft, offering a more integrated and cost-effective solution compared to traditional separate imaging and sensing systems.

The team's work addresses a critical need in the automotive industry: enhancing the safety of electric vehicles by providing early warnings for battery thermal runaway. Traditional FMCW LiDAR systems are limited to 3D imaging and cannot monitor internal battery states or environmental parameters. By integrating these capabilities into a single device, the new LiDAR reduces system complexity and costs, making it a promising candidate for future autonomous driving systems. The scientists envision that this technology could provide a new integrated solution to improve the safety of new energy vehicles, potentially revolutionizing how vehicles perceive and respond to their environment.