Ultrasensitive bolometers
We develop fast and sensitive thermal detectors for circuit quantum electrodynamics applications.
Quantum Computing and Devices (QCD)
The Quantum Computing and Devices (QCD) group was formally established in October 2007, and since 2012, the premises of our research group has been referred to as QCD Labs. We keep an open mind and explore the most interesting and promising pathways to reach maximal quality and productivity in our research and innovations.
Mikko Möttönen selected as finalist for the European Inventor Award 2026
Professor Mikko Möttönen is a finalist in the ‘Research’ category for developing an ultrasensitive cryogenic microwave sensor to diagnose interference in quantum computers.
Researchers measure energy below a zeptojoule–enough for a red blood cell to move a nanometer
A new method for measuring incredibly miniscule amounts of energy – less than a trillionth of a billionth of a joule – could give quantum computing and the hunt for dark matter a boost, while paving the way for counting individual photons.
New quantum record: Transmon qubit coherence reaches millisecond threshold
The millisecond coherence measurement marks a quantum leap in computational technology, with the previous maximum echo coherence measurements approaching 0.6 milliseconds.
We have a major effort on experimental quantum physics with superconducting circuits, but we also carry out computational and theoretical work down to fundamental quantum mechanics. Currently, we focus on control and readout techniques for superconducting qubits and on the implementation of on-demand dissipation in quantum circuits to study the related dynamics of open quantum systems.
We also develop ultrasensitive microwave detectors and on-chip components for controlling microwave photons. We are also proud to have given birth to a leading European quantum-computer company IQM. Recently, we jointly developed with IQM an open-source software, KQCircuits, to design superconducting quantum processors, making our tools available for the entire quantum community (more information here).
Join QCD Labs: Postdoctoral Roles in Superconducting Qubits
Postdoctoral Researcher in Autonomous superconducting QPUs
Did you recently get your PhD in circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED) and are now looking into taking the full potential of your skills into use for making new scientific discoveries?
We are now looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to help build an autonomous superconducting quantum processor in the Quantum Computing and Devices (QCD) group at Aalto University. The position is aimed at an exceptional cQED researcher who wants to turn recent component-level breakthroughs into a new system architecture for scalable superconducting quantum computing. Join us in shaping the future!
Please go here to find more information about the application process.
Application deadline: 01.06.2026
Postdoctoral Researcher in cQED theory and open quantum systems
Did you recently get your PhD in theory of circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED) and are now looking into taking the full potential of your skills into use for making new scientific discoveries?
We are now looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher in theory to join the Quantum Computing and Devices (QCD) group at Aalto University. This position is aimed at an outstanding researcher in circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED) who wants to help shape the next generation of superconducting quantum technology. Join us in shaping the future!
Please go here to find more information about the application process.
Application deadline: 01.06.2026
For more information about the role, please contact Prof. Mikko Möttönen (mikko.mottonen@aalto.fi). For questions related to the application process, please contact HR Advisor Minni Forss (minni.forss@aalto.fi).
We will go through applications, and we may invite suitable candidates to interview already during the application period. We aim to have a transparent and equal recruitment process, so feel free to ask us for feedback.
Research
Research highlights:
NATURE ELECTRONICS PUBLICATION: Zeptojoule calorimetry, Nature Electronics (2026).
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS PUBLICATION: Methods to achieve near-millisecond energy relaxation and dephasing times for a superconducting transmon qubit, Nature Communications 16, 5421 (2025).
NATURE ELECTRONICS PUBLICATION: Single-shot readout of a superconducting qubit using a thermal detector, Nature Electronics 7, 288–298 (2024).
NATURE PUBLICATION: Bolometer operating at the threshold for circuit quantum electrodynamics, Nature 586, 47–51 (2020).
SCIENCE PUBLICATION: Observation of isolated monopoles in a quantum field,
Science 348, 544 (2015).
Superconducting quantum electronics
We develop components and methodology in the rapidly growing field of quantum computing, especially in the framework of circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED).
Quantum theory
QCD's activities cover theoretical and computational problems in quantum information science as well as experimental realizations of quantum devices.
Quantum gases
Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) is a manifestation of macroscopic occupation of a single quantum state.
QCD Media Room
Media hits and research videos by the QCD group
Facilities
The samples are fabricated in Micronova cleanroom facilities.
Computational studies are performed utilizing the resources of Aalto University and CSC.
Micro and nanofabrication facilities
OtaNano offers facilities to develop innovative enabling technologies and apply them to practical micro- and nano-systems
QCD Labs - Cryostats and measurement equipment
Cryostats and measurement equipment used in QCD Labs.
Latest publications
Zeptojoule calorimetry
Andras Gunyho, Kassius Kohvakka, Qi-Ming Chen, Jean-Philippe Girard, Roope Kokkoniemi, Wei Liu, Mikko Möttönen
2026
Nature Electronics
Parameter optimization for the unimon qubit
Rostislav Duda, Eric Hyyppa, Olli Mukkula, Vasilii Vadimov, Mikko Mottonen
2025
Physical Review Research
Correlation measurement of propagating microwave photons at millikelvin
Aarne Keränen, Qi Ming Chen, András Gunyhó, Priyank Singh, Jian Ma, Visa Vesterinen, Joonas Govenius, Mikko Möttönen
2025
Nature Communications
Kvanttipiirijäähdytys kohinalla
Heidi Kivijärvi
2025
Arkhimedes
Rapid on-demand generation of thermal states in superconducting quantum circuits
Timm Mörstedt, Wallace S. Teixeira, Arto Viitanen, Heidi Kivijärvi, Maaria Tiiri, Miika Rasola, Andras Marton Gunyho, Suman Kundu, Louis Lattier, Vasilii Vadimov, Gianluigi Catelani, Vasilii Sevriuk, Johannes Heinsoo, Jukka Räbinä, Joachim Ankerhold, Mikko Möttönen
2025
Physical Review Research
Proposal for an autonomous quantum heat engine
Miika Rasola, Vasilii Vadimov, Tuomas Uusnäkki, Mikko Möttönen
2025
SciPost Physics
Multiplexed readout of superconductor-normal-conductor-superconductor bolometers
Priyank Singh, András Gunyhó, Heikki Suominen, Giacomo Catto, Florian Blanchet, Qi Ming Chen, Arman Alizadeh, Aarne Keränen, Jian Ma, Timm Mörstedt, Wei Liu, Mikko Möttönen
2025
Journal of Applied Physics
Fast Multiplexed Superconducting-Qubit Readout with Intrinsic Purcell Filtering Using a Multiconductor Transmission Line
Peter A. Spring, Luka Milanovic, Yoshiki Sunada, Shiyu Wang, Arjan F. Van Loo, Shuhei Tamate, Yasunobu Nakamura
2025
PRX Quantum
Methods to achieve near-millisecond energy relaxation and dephasing times for a superconducting transmon qubit
Mikko Tuokkola, Yoshiki Sunada, Heidi Kivijarvi, Jonatan Albanese, Leif Gronberg, Jukka-Pekka Kaikkonen, Visa Vesterinen, Joonas Govenius, Mikko Mottonen
2025
Nature Communications
Dissipation and noise in strongly driven Josephson junctions
Vasilii Vadimov, Yoshiki Sunada, Mikko Mottonen
2025
SciPost Physics Core
QCD members in the group photo 2025 (from the left):
Back: Jinzhe Wang, Qiming Chen, Tuomas Uusnäkki, Jian Ma, Timm Mörstedt, Heikki Suominen, Shiling Yu, Ashish Panigrahi, Mikko Tuokkola, Heidi Kivijärvi, Zenghui Bao, Suman Kundu
Middle: Santtu Lukkari, Eppu Leinonen, Oskari Virtanen, Anna Vesimäki, Thanh Nguyen, Aku Hertell, Ahmad Darwish, Kaarle Lahti, Väinö Viinikka, Wei Qiu, Arun Jaiswal
Front: Petrus Väisänen, Ellen Männikkö, Alexander Tuominen, Anton Suonsivu, Vasilii Vadimov, Akhil Singh, Eemeli Forsbom, Mikko Möttönen, Aashish Sah
Research group members
