Department of Applied Physics

A hand with a blue vinyl glove adjusts complicated research instruments.

Who are we?

Our research focuses on materials physics, quantum technology, soft and living matter, and advanced energy solutions. Topics extend from fundamental research to important applications. The Department of Applied Physics educates future generations of research and development professionals, data specialists, technology experts, inventors and scientists for industry and society.

The department hosts the Academy of Finland Centres of Excellence Quantum Technology Finland (QTF, 2018-2025) and Life Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER, 2022-2029). Further quantum technologies are facilitated by InstituteQ, the national quantum institute coordinated by Aalto University since 2021.

The department is a major user of the national research infrastructure OtaNano which provides fabrication, characterisation and measurement equipment and facilities for students, scientists and high-tech businesses. The Nanomicroscopy Center and the Low Temperature Laboratory of OtaNano are critical assets for our researchers. We extensively utilise and contribute to the development of the national and international cloud and supercomputing resources and databases.

Top news

Close-up of a complex scientific instrument with golden components and various wires, in a laboratory setting.
Press releases Published:

Time crystals could power future quantum computers

A time crystal, a long-life quantum system approaching perpetual motion, has been hooked up to its environment for the first time, unlocking an intriguing way to increase quantum computational and sensing power.
Close-up of a glowing dual processor on a dark motherboard with futuristic light effects and detailed circuitry.
Press releases, Research & Art Published:

New quantum record: Transmon qubit coherence reaches millisecond threshold

The result foreshadows a leap in computational capabilities, with researchers now inviting experts around the globe to reproduce the groundbreaking measurement.
Three people with varied hairstyles in front of a peach background with blue squares and dots.
Research & Art Published:

EU grants for improving human interaction with AI, soft wet adhesion physics and the capacity of legal systems

Corinna Coupette, Maja Vuckovac and Robin Welsch receive 1.5-million-euro ERC Starting Grants.
Photo of prof. Yaolin Xu by Mikko Raskinen/Aalto University.
Awards and Recognition Published:

Prof. Yaolin Xu’s battery research awarded prestigious energy storage prize

Track record and future potential in building better energy storage solutions landed Assistant Professor Xu the Energy Storage Materials Young Scientist Award.
Two people in professional attire. Left wears a tweed jacket with white shirt, right wears a grey suit and light shirt.
Awards and Recognition Published:

Scientific merit and fostering new talent land two major physics prizes

Prominent quantum professors Päivi Törmä and Jukka Pekola were awarded not just for their strong scientific work, but also for the massive impact they’ve had on the quantum community in Finland and abroad.
Microbolometer integrated into a resonator circuit shows detailed view with multiple magnifications.
Press releases Published:

New thermal sensor presents novel way to carry out cryogenic measurements

The on-chip bolometer cuts down on costs and complexity while boasting ten times broader operational range.

Recent News

Eric Hyyppä on the left, Tuomas Uusnäkki on the right. Photos: Jari Härkönen
Awards and Recognition Published:

Quantum research lands doctoral and master's thesis awards

Eric Hyyppä and Tuomas Uusnäkki received the prizes from Academic Engineers and Architects in Finland and Tekniska Föreningen i Finland.
BMM
For Aalto community Research & Art Published:

The Publication Forum Steering Group: Level 3 will be abandoned, and term “Level 0” will be discontinued

The discontinuation of Level 3 will not affect the university funding calculations for the years 2025–2028.
Three men in individual photos, taken indoors wearing dress shirts and jackets.
University Published:

Three new Academy Professors at Aalto University

Tuomas Hytönen, Mikko Möttönen and Aki Vehtari from the School of Science have been appointed as Academy Professors – congratulations to all!
Matti Aksela
Awards and Recognition, Cooperation, University Published:

School of Science Alumnus of the Year Matti Aksela: it’s always worth learning something new

Aksela mentors international students through the Aalto International Talent programme and hopes to see even greater diversity in the technology sector.

Research groups

Additional resources

Logo of the PHYS Diversity Team in Aalto colours

Department of Applied Physics Diversity Team

The Diversity Team of the Department of Applied Physics aims to build an inclusive, diverse and welcoming work environment

Department of Applied Physics
Life at the campus.

Careers at Aalto

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We are an international community of 20,000 bold thinkers who shape a sustainable future with education, research breakthroughs and innovative ideas and solutions. Join us in changing the world – we have many attractive career opportunities to offer.

InstituteQ

The goal at InstituteQ is to improve the readiness of Finland for the disruptive potential quantum technologies will have for society and the economy at large. By 2026, novel educational programs, growing quantum industry and eminent research directions are expected to be in full motion. The efforts of InstituteQ facilitate fundamental scientific findings, the adoption of novel technologies and the development of new commercial opportunities. The aim is to carry, implement and mutually benefit front line education, research, innovations, and infrastructures.

Logo with the word 'InstituteQ' featuring a gold and black circular design, on a white textured background.

InstituteQ - The Finnish Quantum Institute (external link)

InstituteQ coordinates quantum research, education, and business in Finland

QTF-hero logo

Quantum Technology Finland – The National Centre of Excellence (external link)

The national Quantum Technology Finland (QTF) Centre of Excellence brings together scientific and technological excellence and cutting-edge research infrastructures to harness quantum phenomena in solid-state-based quantum devices and applications.

A map of Finland sits on top of an artistic illustration of small-scale circuits.

Aalto University to coordinate Finnish quantum initiatives in latest national flagship programme

The flagship unites dozens of research institutions, companies, and startups in new collaborative front

News

Events

puhutaan suomea
Languages and multiculturality

Puhutaan suomea - Learning Finnish together!

Welcome to learn and practice your Finnish skills!
Slush 2025
Conferences, Exhibitions, Fairs, Networking, Other

Slush 2025 (external link)

Slush is a not-for-profit organization on a mission to help and create founders to change the world. Based in Helsinki, Slush annually hosts the world’s leading startup event bringing together a curated crowd of European startups, world-class investors, and tech journalists. We stand by relevance over scale, bringing tangible value, and sharing actionable company-building advice. No fluff.
Students walking on the Aalto campus in the spring. Photo by Aalto University
Campus

A! Walk

A! Walks is a summer course centered around walking-based learning, exploring Otaniemi campus and its surrounding urban–natural spaces. Rather than standalone lectures or experiments, the program is designed as a curated sequence of sensory, interdisciplinary walks, guiding participants toward experiences in coexistence, awareness, action, and futures. If successful, A! Walks may be continued during the regular semester.
Student working on a computer, laying down in a circular hole in a white wall. Photo: Aalto University / Unto Rautio
Students

What's Next after Your Bachelor's? Information Session and Fair for CHEM Bachelor Students (autumn 2025)

Info on continuing to Master's majors and master's programmes after the bachelor's degree Wednesday 19.11. at 12.00-12.20 in Kemistintie 1, Ke2. At 12.20-13.00 CHEM master's programmes and majors and their teachers are available at an open fair in the upper lobby of Kemistintie 1.

Where to find us

Nanotalo building

Puumiehenkuja 2

Nanotalo

Kide

Konemiehentie 1

Aalto_University_Otakaari2B_

Micronova

Tietotie 3

Micronova cleanroom kuva: Aino Huovio
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