2026 David Richardson Medal Winner
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Optica Names William Cassarly the 2026 David Richardson Medal Recipient
Optica is pleased to announce that William Cassarly, Keysight Technologies, USA, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the David Richardson Medal. Cassarly is honored for a lifetime dedication to optical engineering with a substantial positive impact on the illumination optics industry.
Cassarly earned his BSEE from Bucknell University and his PhD in electrical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. He launched his career in non-imaging optics at General Electric, moving through roles in its Aerospace, Corporate R&D, and Lighting Divisions. Prior to joining Keysight Technologies, he drove algorithm development for optical software products at Optical Research Associates (ORA), which was acquired by Synopsys.
Throughout his career, Cassarly has been recognized for his efforts to create the field of computer-aided illumination engineering that spans illumination free-form design and illumination optimization. He has shared his passion and expertise for this subject through numerous papers and invited talks, educational courses, intellectual property development, and illumination engineering consulting.
His role as an optics innovator is evidenced in his 50+ US patents and well over 100 publications and conference proceedings, including book chapters in recognized references such as the Handbook of Optics. His notable technical work includes designing the TIROS lens for LED flashlights and providing key contributions to major feature developments in LightTools® and LucidShape®, such as Freeform Designer, Measured BSDF, Backlight Pattern Optimization, and the first industry introduction of a practical and effective optimization environment for illumination systems. His most recent achievements encompass the core stray light features in ImSym, which was the Laser Focus World Platinum Level Winner of the 2025 Annual Innovators Award Program. He is a Fellow of SPIE and a member of Optica.
Established in 1966, the Richardson Medal recognizes significant contributions to optical engineering, primarily in the commercial and industrial sector. It honors David Richardson’s unique contributions to applied optics, and is endowed by Cary Instruments and Gary Duck.
About Optica
Optica, Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, is the society dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in the field. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students and others interested in the science of light. Optica's renowned publications, meetings, online resources and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical and educational achievement.
Photo Credit: Elle Lux Studios
