I. Aulika

Dr. I. Aulika is a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, where she leads research in the Thin Films Laboratory. Her work focuses on optical tactile sensing (particularly the OptoSkin technology), OLED materials, and smart window materials. Dr. Aulika has over 64 publications with more than 8,000 reads and 346 citations, demonstrating significant impact in her field. She actively participates in major European research projects including Sestosenso and SWEB, and serves as a representative for ISSP UL's industry collaboration platform Materize across several European countries.

Dr. Aulika's research interests span multiple cutting-edge areas in materials science and optical engineering. She specializes in spectroscopic ellipsometry for material characterization, optical modeling, and the development of innovative materials including rare-earth metal oxy-hydrides (Y, Gd, Dy and Er), YO, Y2O3, Ga2O3, and ZnO2. Her work on Direct ToF tactile sensing aims to revolutionize touch perception in robotics, while her research on OLED materials contributes to advancements in display technology. Additionally, she investigates photochromic materials and transparent conducting oxides for smart window applications, demonstrating a versatile research portfolio that bridges fundamental science with practical applications.

Dr. Aulika's publication record shows a consistent focus on thin film characterization and optical properties, with recent work increasingly centered on optical tactile sensors and OLED materials. Her most recent articles (2024-2025) demonstrate expertise in spectroscopic ellipsometry applied to organic thin films, phase transitions in OLED stacks, and material effects in direct Time-of-Flight sensing systems. She has made significant contributions to understanding yttrium-based photochromic materials and transparent conducting coatings, with applications ranging from robotics to energy-efficient windows.

Dr. Aulika has received notable recognition for her work, including:

• UNESCO L'ORÉAL Latvian National Fellowship for Women in Science (2008)
• Multiple European Social Funds Scholarships (2006-2008)

As a Project Manager at the Institute of Solid State Physics, Dr. Aulika is involved in new R&D idea development, project writing and evaluation, and establishing industrial and academic partnerships. She serves as a local contact point for proposal writing and execution, and represents ISSP UL's industry collaboration platform Materize in Italy, France, Spain, and Switzerland. Her leadership extends to developing lecture materials for MSc physics students on applications of piezoelectric materials, demonstrating her commitment to education alongside research.

Dr. Aulika leads the Thin Films Laboratory at the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, where her team focuses on point of darkness modeling for biomedical sensor applications, spectroscopic ellipsometry, optical modeling, and thin film technologies. The laboratory's work on innovative materials, particularly rare-earth metal oxy-hydrides, supports cutting-edge research in optical tactile sensing, OLEDs, and smart windows. Through projects like Sestosenso and SWEB, her lab bridges fundamental research with practical applications in robotics, display technology, and energy-efficient building materials.