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

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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.
The Guild of Physics in Jyväskylä. Photo: Guild of Physics.
Studies Published:

Guild of Physics bumps into alum in Jyväskylä teachers' room

On their high school tour, the Aalto Guild of Physics ran into Antero Hietamäki in the teachers' room in Jyväskylä. Hietamäki, now the Administrative Head of the Teacher Training School, was a student of engineering physics and mathematics in the 1980s.
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

Aalto Open Science Award 2024. A light blue podium hovering over a blue-pink gradient background with the help of squishy-looking balloons with colored lights inside.
Awards and Recognition, Research & Art Published:

Last chance to nominate for 2024 Aalto University Open Science Award

The deadline for submissions is 3 Dec, 2024.
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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.

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

Student Guide, tapahtumakuva
Students

Theses & Tomatoes: Start your studies with Pomodoro

Join us for guided studying and pick up tips for more effective work during Pomodoro sessions!
Two cartoon characters talking to each other in comment bubbles.
For Aalto community Networking, Staff trainings, Languages and multiculturality

CS language café

Welcome to chat in Finnish with your colleagues. The event is organized once in a month by CS department and open to all Aalto staff members.
ABC Seminar
Lectures and seminars

Neuronal oscillations for spoken word production: Levels of operationalisation and abstraction

This time, Vitória Piai (Donders Institute & Radboud University) will present recent insights on neuronal oscillations in spoken word production, moving beyond picture naming paradigms to explore both healthy adults and individuals with language impairment due to neurological damage.
Hands-on data protection workshop
Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, Support for teams, Training to support research

Hands-on Data Protection, Dec 3 & 5, 2024

Learn about data protection in this two-day workshop with Data Agents Dr. Enrico Glerean, Dr. Essi Viitanen, and Legal Counsel Anniina Harju.

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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