New FMCW LiDAR system can image and sense multiple battery-related signals at once

Researchers in China have developed a multifunctional frequency modulated continuous wave LiDAR that can do 3D imaging and multi-parameter sensing simultaneously, including temperature, gas concentration and liquid density. The system could help simplify sensing for electric vehicles and spacecraft by combining functions that are usually handled by separate devices.

Why it matters: - The new LiDAR design combines free-space 3D imaging with fiber-based sensing in one system. - The approach could reduce the number of separate sensors needed for electric vehicles, battery monitoring and other safety-critical systems. - The work targets thermal runaway detection, where early warning depends on tracking temperature, electrolyte density and characteristic gases. - The authors say the platform has application potential in new energy vehicles and spacecraft.

What happened: - A team led by Professor Yongkang Dong of Harbin Institute of Technology reported a multifunctional FMCW LiDAR in Light: Advanced Manufacturing. - The system detects echo signals from both free space and optical fiber. - The setup performs 3D imaging and multi-parameter sensing at the same time. - In concept proof experiments, the system imaged a plastic plate with a “HIT” symbol placed 30 meters away. - The source article is available via the published paper.

The details: - The LiDAR imaged a target at 30 meters with adjustable resolution from 0.3 cm to 1.2 cm. - The system measured battery electrolyte density with an accuracy of 3×10⁻⁵ g/mL. - The system measured temperature with an accuracy of 0.5 °C. - The system detected C2H2, CO2 and CH4 with limits of 0.07 ppm, 48 ppm and 0.56 ppm, respectively. - The researchers used sulfuric acid solution to evaluate temperature and electrolyte-density monitoring. - The researchers filled three mixed gases in a multi-pass cell to test gas-leak detection. - The optical-frequency-domain reflectometry mode enables sensing inside optical fibers. - The paper says the LiDAR module calculates distance from the optical path difference between the collimator reflection peak and the target reflection peak. - The paper says the reflection spectra of the FBG, FP and MPC can be demodulated from reflection peaks in the spatial domain by IFT. - The work was supported by China’s National Key Research and Development Program, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Postdoctoral Scientific Research Development Fund of Heilongjiang Province and the National Key Laboratory of Laser Spatial Information Foundation.

Between the lines: - Traditional FMCW LiDAR is strong on 3D imaging but does not cover internal battery state or environmental sensing. - The new design folds imaging and sensing into one platform, which could lower system complexity and integration costs. - The concept also extends FMCW-style measurement into optical fibers through optical frequency domain reflectometry, broadening the types of signals the same platform can read. - The results suggest a path toward one integrated sensing stack for driving systems and battery management, rather than multiple standalone devices.

What's next: - The researchers forecast that the technique could support both automatic driving and battery management with a single demodulator. - Further development will likely focus on turning the proof-of-concept into a deployable system for vehicle and aerospace use. - Broader testing will be needed to show how the platform performs in real-world operating conditions.

The bottom line: - The study introduces a single LiDAR platform that can both map the outside world and monitor internal physical signals, a combination that could streamline safety sensing for next-generation vehicles.