Researchers have developed a multifunctional frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LiDAR system that can perform high-precision 3D imaging and multi-parameter sensing simultaneously, according to a paper published in Light: Science & Applications. The technology could address critical safety concerns in new energy vehicles by enabling early detection of battery thermal runaway through coordinated monitoring of temperature, electrolyte density, and characteristic gases.
Traditional FMCW LiDAR systems provide high-resolution 3D imaging but are limited to that single function. In electric vehicles, monitoring battery health typically requires separate sensors for temperature, gas leaks, and electrolyte density, increasing system complexity and cost. The new approach integrates these capabilities into one LiDAR unit, potentially simplifying vehicle perception and battery management systems.
The system works by detecting echo signals from both free space and optical fiber, allowing it to image objects and sense environmental parameters in parallel. In experiments, the team imaged a target at 30 meters with adjustable resolution from 0.3 to 1.2 centimeters. Simultaneously, they measured battery electrolyte density and temperature with accuracies of 3×10⁻⁵ g/mL and 0.5 °C, respectively. They also detected concentrations of gases relevant to battery safety—C2H2, CO2, and CH4—with detection limits of 0.07 ppm, 48 ppm, and 0.56 ppm.
The key innovation is extending FMCW LiDAR into optical fiber using optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR), which enables high-resolution sensing of strain, temperature, pressure, and gas concentration. By integrating both free-space and fiber-based sensing, the system can fulfill the dual roles of imaging and environmental monitoring with a single demodulator.
The scientists, led by Professor Yongkang Dong from Harbin Institute of Technology, demonstrated the concept by imaging a plastic plate with a “HIT” symbol placed 30 meters away, while simultaneously monitoring sulfuric acid solution as a proxy for battery electrolyte and three mixed gases in a multi-pass cell to simulate gas leakage scenarios.
This multifunctional LiDAR holds significant potential for new energy vehicles, where it could provide an integrated solution to improve safety by enabling real-time battery management and environmental monitoring. It may also find applications in spacecraft, where compact and multifunctional sensing is valuable. The research was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China and other funding sources.
For more details, the full paper is available at https://doi.org/10.37188/lam.2026.102.
