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 rendition of a photo colliding with other particles.
Studies Published:

Bridging gaps in reactor damage modelling and embracing diversity in academia

With a keen interest in electron-ion interactions, doctoral researcher Evgeniia Ponomareva describes her experience in the Nuclear Materials and Engineering (NuME) research group led by Assistant Professor Andrea Sand in the Department of Applied Physics.
Jukka Pekola, kuva: Riitta Supperi, Suomen Kulttuurirahasto
Awards and Recognition Published:

Jukka Pekola receives Finnish Cultural Foundation award – ‘Quantum is of interest way beyond scientists or the science fiction world’

Professor Jukka Pekola receives the Finnish Cultural Foundation's award for his long-term contributions to quantum technology research and to solving challenges facing humanity.
Two hexagonal arrays of prisms with a blue lattice inbetween.
Research & Art Published:

New quantum entangled material could pave way for ultrathin quantum technologies

Researchers reveal the microscopic nature of the quantum entangled state of a new monolayer van der Waals material
Evren
Studies Published:

"It is a privilege to have this much freedom of choice” – master's programme opened up top-notch research opportunities and career paths from electronics to machine learning

Appealing opportunities for interesting summer jobs and the prospect of conducting a thesis in a preferred subject drew Evren Korkmazgil to enroll in the Engineering Physics master's programme at Aalto University.
A man in a white lab coat with blue gloves holds up a vial of clear liquid while standing in front of a large microscope.
Research & Art Published:

Medical innovation makes early cancer diagnostics cheaper, faster, easier

Aalto University researcher makes two-pronged improvement on microbubble technology
A man holding two small foam boards stands in a lab room.
Research & Art Published:

Research project turns waste into sound-absorbing solutions with biodegradable foam

Team plans expansion while adhering to circular economy principles

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
A detail of Aalto University Otanano infrastructure, image by Mikko Raskinen

Events

A young researcher walking on a homogeneous random network
Public defences

Public defence in Computer Science, M.Sc. Abbas K. Rizi

Spreading and Epidemic Interventions: Effects of Network Structure and Dynamics (title of the thesis)
Doctoral hat floating above a speaker's podium with a microphone
Public defences

Public defence in Power Systems and High Voltage Engineering, M.Sc.(Tech.) Niina Helistö

Improved flexibility analysis enhances energy system investment planning
Doctoral hat floating above a speaker's podium with a microphone
Public defences

Public defence in Polymer Technology, M.Sc. (Tech.) Afsoon Farzan

Synthesis and structure-property correlations of polyurethanes for additive manufactured biomedical materials (title of the thesis)
Doctoral hat floating above a speaker's podium with a microphone
Public defences

Public defence in Mineral Processing, M.Sc. (Tech.) Benjamin Musuku

A Methodology for Systemic Plant Research: An Industrial Case Study Investigating the Effects of Water Quality on Pentlandite Flotation Recovery (title of the thesis)

Where to find us

Nanotalo building

Puumiehenkuja 2

Nanotalo. Puumiehenkuja 2. Kuva / Image: Aalto-yliopisto / Mikko Raskinen / Aalto University

Kide

Konemiehentie 1

Aalto_University_Otakaari2B_

Micronova

Tietotie 3

Micronova cleanroom kuva: Aino Huovio
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