What does ‘quantum’ mean?
Two quantum researchers at Aalto University explain how the seemingly impossible becomes a part of everyday reality.
Institutionen för teknisk fysik
Institutionen för teknisk fysik
Vår banbrytande forskning inom fysikaliska vetenskaper skapar viktiga industriella tillämpningar.
Research excellence
Awards, grants and honors showcase the Department of Applied Physics' research excellence.
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.
The Department also houses its own quantum computer, the AaltoQ20, for educational and research purposes. It can be accessed through FiQCI.
Top news
Three rising Aalto University researchers secure highly sought-after EU funding
In their research projects, Dominik Baumann, Tero Mäkinen and Owies Wani develop the training of reinforcement learning agents, a better understanding of the physics of material damage and electrolyte structures for energy storage.
Aalto Distinguished Professor Jukka Pekola’s message: Basic research is at the heart of progress
Department of Applied Physics Professor Jukka Pekola was appointed Aalto Distinguished Professor on September 1, 2026.
Associate Professor Andrea Sand appointed new head of applied physics department
Sand, a computational materials physics expert, is supported by new vice heads for research and education. All started their work on September 1, 2026.
How to search for a material that does not yet exist? Researchers are looking for a room-temperature superconductor
The SuperC consortium aims to develop a room-temperature superconductor, a discovery which would deliver enormous energy savings. What’s it like to try to create a material that doesn’t exist?
World’s first superconducting quantum heat engine opens the path to larger quantum computers
A newly-developed superconducting quantum heat engine not only advances our understanding of thermodynamics but also enables technologies needed for high-qubit quantum computers.