Student Spotlight: Ph.D. Student Alex Lu Recognized in Keysight Optical Design Competition
University of Arizona Optical Sciences Ph.D. student Yanzhao (Alex) Lu has been recognized in Keysight Technologies' 2026 Robert S. Hilbert Memorial Optical Design Competition, an annual competition sponsored by Keysight Technologies that honors excellence and innovation in optical design.
Lu's award-winning project, "Design of a Compact and High-Efficiency LCoS Light Engine for Head-mounted Displays," utilized CODE V and LightTools to develop advanced optical solutions for emerging augmented and virtual reality technologies. A member of the 3DVIS Lab, Lu's research focuses on freeform optical design for AR/VR head-mounted display systems. His work demonstrates the growing role of advanced optical engineering in next-generation display technologies.
"CODE V and LightTools have been essential tools for completing my optical designs and system simulations," said Lu. "In particular, their macro capabilities are extremely valuable for freeform optics, allowing me to efficiently automate complex design, analysis, and optimization tasks."
The Robert S. Hilbert Memorial Optical Design Competition recognizes outstanding student projects completed using Keysight optical design software. Participants from universities across North America submit projects demonstrating technical rigor, innovation, and excellence in optical and photonic system design. Lu was among a select group of students recognized in the 2026 competition, highlighting the strength of optical design research and education at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences.