A Doctor of Radiophysics from the Usikov Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Oksana Shramkova has built a career spanning both academia and industry at European and international level, in the United Kingdom and Greece, as well as in the United States. She has also worked in industry, contributing to the development of advanced optical components for augmented reality devices. This dual experience, both academic and industrial, now informs her research.
Unlocking the potential of augmented reality systems
Augmented reality devices rely on miniaturised optical systems capable of projecting images into the eye while maintaining a view of the real world. These technologies still face a number of challenges, particularly in terms of field of view and colour performance.
Oksana Shramkova’s project aims to overcome these limitations by developing new optical approaches.
A new generation of optical components
Designed as compact, multifunctional optical components, metasurfaces (ultra-thin structures able to manipulate light at the nanometre scale) could replace more complex lens systems.
One of the main objectives is to develop achromatic metalenses, capable of simultaneously focusing different colours of light onto a single plane, thereby eliminating chromatic aberrations and improving image quality.
An interdisciplinary research environment
The ICube laboratory, which hosts the project, is known for its interdisciplinary approach at the interface between engineering sciences, computer science and imaging. This environment fosters the development of innovative technologies, particularly in photonics and computer vision, in close connection with practical applications.
Concrete applications
To achieve this performance, Oksana Shramkova explores free-form designs, based on non-periodic nanostructures and optimised using inverse design methods. This approach allows for better control of light propagation across a wide range of wavelengths.
Made from materials such as silicon or titanium dioxide, these metasurfaces are designed to be compatible with large-scale manufacturing processes.
Her work draws on recognised expertise in electromagnetic modelling and photonic structures, as evidenced by over 140 scientific publications and several patents. By developing more compact and high-performance optical components, Oksana Shramkova is contributing to the emergence of lighter and more efficient augmented reality devices, paving the way for the immersive technologies of tomorrow.
