Plasmonic nanocomposite helices for weather-adaptive LiDAR function

Abstract

Reliable light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is often challenged by multiscale water droplets on protective covers, as macroscopic raindrops cause refraction and diffraction, while microscopic fog condensation scatters light, distorting returned signals. Here, we present a bioinspired strategy for multiscale droplet clearance using plasmonic nanocomposite helices that couple passive photothermal antifogging with pressure-stable hydrophobic water repellence. Inspired by penguin feather barbules, copper nanoparticles are embedded within three-dimensional silica nanohelices via glancing angle co-deposition. The copper nanoparticles provide visible-light plasmonic heating while preserving >85% transmittance at 905 nm, and the helical architecture imparts hierarchical roughness, yielding a 143° contact angle. Under 1 sun illumination, the surface shows a 9.3°C temperature rise, clearing condensation within 6 seconds. During natural rainfall (3-5 mm/h), LiDAR transmission through the plasmonic nanohelices remains at 100%, whereas bare glass drops to 70% after 5 minutes. These results demonstrate weather-adaptive LiDAR operation for robust autonomous sensing.