Peng Zhao

Eye and Face Tracking Systems Engineer· Meta

Sunnyvale, CA

• Leads the optical design and architecture for advanced eye and face tracking camera systems across all Meta VR products, and roadmap explorations.
• Developed end-to-end frameworks of full optical systems including camera module, ET/FT illumination, and display viewing optics, with an imaging pipeline supporting high-fidelity rendering. Deeply integrated with software platforms to accurately model user experience.
• Designed system-level KPIs for ET/FT, established factory testing protocols, and demonstrated production quality and yield over builds.

Sensing Hardware Engineer· Apple

Cupertino, CA

• Led optical design of Apple's first coherent optical sensor for velocity tracking; shipped with Apple Watch Ultra in Fall 2022.
• Updated the optical design of an image tracking based sensor; shipped with Apple Vision Pro in Fall 2023.
• Invented a new microstructure optical surface with enhanced retroreflection (patent issued), leading to significant cost and size reduction at system level; shipped in all SKUs of Apple Watch in Fall 2025.
• Invented a novel optical architecture of an image tracking sensor capable of tracking both rotation and translation (patent filed).

Senior Design Engineer / Team Lead· ASML

Wilton, CT

• Solved a polarization crosstalk issue to enable the launch of the first-generation polarization-resolved ORION wafer alignment sensor.
• Led technical development of a new wavelength demultiplexer module, delivering vendor specification, prototype builds, and machine integration.
• Led a cross-functional team developing a €2M production tester for next-generation product build and qualification, advancing both hardware and algorithm levels to achieve sub-nanometer motion accuracy KPIs.
• Invented a new solid-state spectral filter module for a supercontinuum laser (internal IP publication).

Postdoctoral Research Associate· CREOL, University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL

• Developed a novel nonlinear optical spectrometer based on supercontinuum.
• Developed a numerical model for double pump-probe interactions in new Ir(III) complexes.
• Led an NSF I-Corps program exploring commercialization of laser refrigeration technology for thermal management in electronics.
• Funded by the UCF Pre-eminent Postdoctoral Program (P3) and an NSF I-Corps Site Grant.

Graduate Research Assistant· CREOL, University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL

• First-ever observation of nondegenerate nonlinear refraction and three-photon absorption in semiconductors, and molecular responses in solvents and gases.
• Pioneered a novel two-photon, FRET-enhanced photochromic molecule for strong, broadband optical limiting applications.

Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant· Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH

• Designed (using FDTD) and fabricated micro-dome structures to enhance the light extraction efficiency of III-nitride based LEDs.

Ph.D. in Optics and Photonics

University of Central Florida, CREOL

Advisors: Eric W. Van Stryland and David J. Hagan. Dissertation: Ultrafast Mechanisms of Nonlinear Refraction and Two-photon Photochromism.

M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Case Western Reserve University, EECS

Advisor: Hongping Zhao. Thesis: Analysis of Light Extraction Efficiency Enhancement for Deep Ultraviolet and Visible Light-Emitting Diodes with III-Nitride Micro Domes.

B.S. in Measuring and Controlling Technology and Instruments

Tianjin University

Precision Instruments and Optoelectronics Engineering. Thesis: Design and optimization of a mobile LED backlight module.