In a significant advancement for autonomous vehicles and new energy vehicles, researchers have unveiled a multifunctional frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LiDAR system capable of high-precision 3D imaging and multi-parameter sensing simultaneously. This innovation, detailed in a recent publication in Light: Science & Applications, addresses critical safety concerns by enabling unified monitoring of environmental and internal battery conditions.
Traditional FMCW LiDAR systems provide excellent 3D imaging capabilities but are limited to ranging and cannot detect parameters such as battery temperature, electrolyte density, or gas concentrations. These factors are crucial for early warning of thermal runaway, a major safety risk in electric vehicles. Currently, separate systems are required for imaging and sensing, leading to increased complexity, cost, and integration challenges.
To overcome these limitations, Professor Yongkang Dong from the National Key Laboratory of Laser Spatial Information at Harbin Institute of Technology, along with colleagues from the Zhengzhou Research Institute, has proposed and demonstrated a multifunctional FMCW LiDAR. The system leverages both free-space and optical fiber echo signals to perform 3D imaging and measure environmental temperature, gas concentrations, and liquid density in a single device.
In proof-of-concept experiments, the team successfully imaged a target at 30 meters with adjustable resolution between 0.3 cm and 1.2 cm. They also measured the electrolyte density and temperature of a battery with accuracies of 3×10⁻⁵ g/mL and 0.5 °C, respectively. Furthermore, the concentrations of gases critical for thermal runaway monitoring—acetylene (C2H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4)—were detected with limits of 0.07 ppm, 48 ppm, and 0.56 ppm, respectively.
By extending FMCW LiDAR technology into optical fibers, the system also realizes optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR), which is known for its high spatial resolution and large dynamic range. This allows for precise sensing of various physical parameters. The integration of these functions into one demodulator paves the way for a comprehensive solution that can simultaneously handle the imaging needs of autonomous driving and the battery management requirements of electric vehicles.
The potential applications extend beyond automotive to spacecraft and other fields where both imaging and environmental sensing are essential. This development marks a step forward in creating more integrated and efficient sensing systems, promising to enhance safety and performance in next-generation technologies.
