Modern vehicles equipped with LiDAR systems emit high-intensity infrared laser pulses that, while safe for human eyes, can cause severe and irreversible damage to smartphone cameras. A recent demonstration using a Volvo EX90 shows how these pulses can leave permanent glitches on camera sensors, including dead pixels and visual artifacts.
LiDAR systems operate at a wavelength of 1,550nm, which is invisible to the naked eye but highly disruptive to CMOS sensors in smartphones. These sensors are not designed to handle concentrated infrared blasts, leading to immediate and permanent damage when exposed. The demonstration revealed that even brief exposure can result in pinkish-purple marks resembling stars, trailing in the direction of the LiDAR system.
Despite their safety for human eyes—classified as Class 1 lasers—LiDAR systems are powerful enough to fry smartphone sensors. This is due to the high sensitivity of CMOS sensors to infrared light, which generates heat and disrupts normal camera functionality. While the power level is too low to harm the retina, it is sufficient to cause irreversible damage to mobile device cameras.
The Volvo EX90's LiDAR system, part of its Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS), includes features like automatic emergency braking, collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control. These systems are designed for high accuracy in detecting pedestrians, cyclists, and other obstacles but come with the unintended risk of damaging nearby smartphone cameras.
For those curious about experimenting with LiDAR systems, it is recommended to use a spare phone rather than a daily driver. This precaution ensures that your primary device remains safe from such exposure, which can lead to permanent sensor damage and visual artifacts.
