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. 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 the national quantum institute – InstituteQ, coordinated by Aalto University since 2021.

The department is a major user of the national research infrastructure OtaNano that 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

An artistic rendering of two chips on a circuit board, one is blue and the other is orange and light is emitting from their surf
Press releases Published:

Researchers aim to correct quantum errors at super-cold temperatures instead of room temperature

One of the major challenges in the development of quantum computers is that the quantum bits, or qubits, are too imprecise. More efficient quantum error correction is therefore needed to make quantum computers more widely available in the future. Professor Mikko Möttönen has proposed a novel solution for quantum error correction and has received a three-year grant from the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation to develop it.
Jose Lado.
Research & Art Published:

Quantum physics professor searches for exotic qubit alternatives with new European funding

Aalto University physics professor Jose Lado will use this funding to engineer a new type of topological quantum material that could have applications for quantum bit, or “qubit,” development for noise-resilient topological quantum computation.
Science illustration
Research & Art Published:

In a first, physicists show how to use the Helmi quantum computer in Finland to design topological quantum materials

A team of Aalto researchers demonstrated how the Finnish quantum computer Helmi can be used to understand topological quantum materials, providing a stepping stone to designing exotic quantum materials with quantum computers
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Press releases, Research & Art Published:

Physicists unlock transformative new way to transmit information over laser light

The discovery, centred around controlling tiny hurricanes of light and electromagnetic fields, could revolutionise how much information we can deliver over cables.
Aalto University Senior Lecturer Sorin Paraoanu stands at the Low Temperature Lab in the Nanotalo building.
Appointments, Research & Art Published:

Prof. Sorin Paraoanu builds quantum devices that probe the foundations of our universe

Recently appointed as Associate Professor at the Department of Applied Physics, Prof. Sorin Paraoanu is building quantum sensors and designing experiments that unveil the secrets of our universe.
Photo of prof. Yaolin Xu by Mikko Raskinen/Aalto University.
Appointments, Research & Art Published:

Prof. Yaolin Xu combines physics and chemistry for better batteries

Newly appointed Assistant Professor Xu looks to build up his lab and team at the Department of Applied Physics to pursue better batteries for a sustainable future in energy storage.

Recent News

An artistic rendering of two chips on a circuit board, one is blue and the other is orange and light is emitting from their surf
Press releases Published:

Researchers aim to correct quantum errors at super-cold temperatures instead of room temperature

One of the major challenges in the development of quantum computers is that the quantum bits, or qubits, are too imprecise. More efficient quantum error correction is therefore needed to make quantum computers more widely available in the future. Professor Mikko Möttönen has proposed a novel solution for quantum error correction and has received a three-year grant from the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation to develop it.
Business Finland
For Aalto community Research & Art Published:

Business Finland Rise to Challenge call: advance information, internal process

Business Finland's new Rise to Challenge call will open on the 13th of January and close on the 31st of March 2025. Aalto will have an internal deadline for interntions to apply at the beginning of February.
Illustration of van Der Waals materials in moiré
Research & Art Published:

Twisted multiferroics discovery makes new kinds of topological spintronic devices possible

Research into moiré patterns in two-dimensional van der Waals materials provides a new way to engineer quantum matter that may lead to more energy-efficient memory storage and improved quantum technologies
joulujuhla
For Aalto community Awards and Recognition Published:

SCI Awards 2024 celebrate excellent work and great people at our school

Check out whose outstanding work was acknowledged this year!

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.

White InstituteQ logo on dark 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

Bassam el Baroni, Jouko Lampinen and Emmi Pouta at U-Create seminar. Photo: Alisa Javits
For Aalto community Networking

Meet the Dean of the School of Science

Come and meet the Dean Jouko Lampinen online.
MSc_thesis_CS
Lectures and seminars

Department of Computer Science: MSc Thesis Presentations

Markus Kähkönen will present their MSc thesis on Monday 30 December at 10:00 in Zoom
puhutaan suomea
Languages and multiculturality

Puhutaan suomea - Learning Finnish together!

Welcome to learn and practice your Finnish skills!
For Aalto community Networking, Staff trainings, Languages and multiculturality

PHYS Language Café

Have a break and learn languages with your colleagues in the PHYS Language Café. The event is organized once a month by the Department of Applied Physics and takes place in the Nanotalo Lobby.

Where to find us

Nanotalo building

Puumiehenkuja 2

Nanotalo

Kide

Konemiehentie 1

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Micronova

Tietotie 3

Micronova cleanroom kuva: Aino Huovio
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