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

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.
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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.
Photo: Ville Heirola/Aalto University.
Appointments, Research & Art Published:

Call for two Assistant Professors in Computational Physics

The Department of Applied Physics at Aalto University School of Science invites applications for two Assistant professor positions in Computational Physics.
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.
A woman with blonde hair stands with arm resting on a ledge with a grey background.
Appointments Published:

Physics professor: Nuclear simulations need powerful computers, and ‘Finland is at the forefront’

Andrea Sand leads the Nuclear Materials and Engineering research group – a large team of international researchers with funding resources and collaboration opportunities spanning the European continent.

Recent News

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!
On the background, white radiant lines over a black bacground and only hair and shoulder of a person passing by visible
Research & Art Published:

Research funding to develop energy-efficient computing and early diagnostics of corneal diseases

The funding granted by the Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation for two Aalto projects totals nearly 1.3 million euros
Three photos on blue background showing adults and children standing around tables
Campus, Research & Art Published:

"Bring your child to work day" 2024 at the Department of Applied Physics

Find out about a fun morning spent making ice cream for children hosted by the Department of Applied Physics

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

MyCourses training
For Aalto community Support for digital teaching

Scalable teaching and assessment with MyCourses: 3. Scalable assignments

The goal of the training is to offer tools that are suitable for teaching larger classes. The content has been divided into five modules.
Emerging practices of the pedagogic architect.
Public defences

Public defence in Art Education, Architect Toni Kauppila

Turning the Tables: Emerging Practices of Pedagogic Architect (title of thesis)
On the left hand side, the image depicts machinery, cogs, levers and exhaust gases, reflecting the prevailing approach towards urban planning where cities are perceived as complicated machines which can be optimized for environmental performance. On the right hand side, the image depicts a more vibrant, livable city with ample tree cover and wood-based built components. This reflects the proposed shift towards restorative and regenerative, living system-cities
Public defences

Public defence in Real Estate Economics, M.Sc. Antti Kinnunen

Cities have a significant role in global carbon cycling. In addition to emissions, they contain substantial carbon sink capacity.
Doctoral hat floating above a speaker's podium with a microphone
Public defences

Public defence in Engineering Physics, M.Sc. (Tech) Panu Hildén

Non-diffractive structured light fields: Generation, properties, and applications (title of the thesis).

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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