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Group leader: Jaakko Timonen

Active Matter group carries out experimental research in the field of soft and living matter physics. We are especially excited about formation and control of non-equilibrium patterns and structures in both biological and synthetic materials. We especially welcome students who are interested in applying physics to solving multidisciplinary basic research problems.

Typical research themes in student projects:

1. Electrohydrodynamics and electrokinetics
2. Ferrofluids and ferrohydrodynamics
3. Bacterial turbulence and microalgae bioconvection
4. Phase transitions in protein and polymer solutions
5. Capillary phenomena
6. Pickering emulsions and edible soft matter
7. Micropipette aspiration for viscoelasticity measurements

More information here.

Group leader: Peter Liljeroth

Offered project: Molecular-beam epitaxy growth of transition metal dichalcogenide heterostructures

We are looking for enthusiastic students to work with us on an experimental project involving growth of heterostructures of two-dimensional materials with molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE). The project involves operation of ultra-high vacuum sample growth and characterization facilities (e.g. STM, AFM, XPS). They are carried out as a part of a team and can constitute a bachelor’s thesis, a special assignment, or master’s thesis.

More details can be found here. 

Group leader: Mikko Alava

The group offers summer projects in both experimental and computational physics as well as commercialization projects.

Experimental:

1. Archibiofoam project — Biofoam structures that respond to external stimuli
2. Hyperspectral imaging of soft matter
3. Making conductive cellulose-based foam materials
4. Manufacturing dual network materials from particles with functionalized surfaces
5. Rapid development of plastic replacements with a self-driving lab, targeting particle laden fluids
6. Time-dependent deformation of materials
7. Material testing
8. Data-driven rheology of viscoelastic materials

9. Research Acceleration Team (RAT)

   Computational:

10. Bayesian optimization of material properties and processes

11. Characterizing key material properties with surrogate experiments

    Commercialization:

12. Prototype product manufacture
13. From Research assistant to CEO path

More details can be found here. 

Contact info: All emails are firstname.lastname@aalto.fi 

Group leader: Patrick Rinke

Contact info: patrick.rinke@aalto.fi

The Computational Electronic Structure Theory Group focuses on the development of electronic structure and machine learning methods and their application to pertinent problems in material science, surface science, physics, chemistry, and the nanosciences. In the two summer projects, you will use quantum mechanical methods and machine learning to explore the chirality (handedness) of molecules and improve its detection, or to investigate novel perovskite-inspired materials for photovoltaic applications. The projects can be adapted flexibly to your skills, experience (B.Sc. or M.Sc. students), and interests. We are looking for highly motivated students to join us in advancing both projects.

Offered projects:

1. Modeling and machine learning for plasmonic enhancement of chiral signals
2. Machine learning and computational design of perovskite-inspired materials

More details can be found here.

Group leader: Jose Lado

Contact info: jose.lado@aalto.fi

The Correlated Quantum Materials group focuses on the theoretical design and engineering of new quantum materials with exotic properties that are hard to find in natural compounds. For this purpose, we combine theoretical methodologies from condensed matter physics, quantum many-body physics, quantum chemistry, machine learning, and materials science. The CQM group offers three summer trainee projects:

1. Quantum States in Moiré Complex Oxides 
2. Matrix product state solver of Dyson equations with quantics tensor cross interpolation
3. Extracting many-body correlation from strongly correlated systems with machine learning

A detailed description of each project and the contact info can be found here. 

Group leader: Yaolin Xu

Offered projects:

1. Solar-Enhanced Rechargeable Batteries

   Silicon (Si) is widely used in nowadays solar cells and a high-capacity electrode material for lithium (Li)-ion batteries, yet the working conditions are different. Solar cells work under illumination, while batteries are sealed with non-transparent packaging materials and thus operate in the dark. Interestingly, our preliminary research has revealed that illumination can increase the capacity of Si electrodes in Li-ion batteries, while the exact effects of photon in enhancing the battery performance remains mysterious. This project will investigate the detailed effects of photon on electrochemical Li-ion storage, and vice versa, in Si electrodes and based on the mechanistic understanding to engineer Si electrode materials and cell design toward maximize the battery (and solar cell) performance. Specifically, the candidate will design electrochemical cells suitable for studying solar effects, synthesize and engineer of Si electrodes, test battery performance with or without illumination, analyze the effects of photon (e.g., photoconductivity and/or photovoltaics) on electron transport and transfer during electrochemical Li-ion uptake and release, and investigate the influence of light wavelength, eventually tune materials and cell design for continuous improvement of battery performance. This project will achieve a method for improving battery performance and offer a promising way for hybridizing solar cells and batteries, enabling more efficient harvest and storage of renewable energy, contributing to the realization of a green future.

   This project will be mainly carried out at the Energy Materials & Interfaces (EMI) group at the Department of Applied Physics. External collaboration will be required on the synthesis and engineering of Si electrodes for tuning their battery & photovoltaic properties. Preference will be given to candidates who can complete project as part of a Master thesis.

   Contact info: Prof. Yaolin Xu, yaolin.xu@aalto.fi

2. Outdoor imaging of solar panels with colourimetric photography (Bsc thesis position)

   The project involves developing digital photography techniques to study the optical quality of solar panels in outdoor conditions. You'll build on existing indoor methods and adapt them for reliable use outside, taking and analyzing photos of solar cells and panels. The role is flexible: you can focus more on experimental method development and data analysis or dive into image analysis and coding, depending on your interests.

   Supervisor: Dr. Janne Halme, Department of Applied Physics, Energy Materials and Interfaces group. 

   Contact: janne.halme@aalto.fi, +358503441695

   More details can be found here.

Group leader: Mathias Groth

The Fusion and Plasma Physics research group is seeking to recruit interested and motivated students for the summer 2025 period. We offer topics suitable both for Bachelor’s theses and special assignments, potentially leading to Master’s theses.

Contact info: mathias.groth@aalto.fi, timo.kiviniemi@aalto.fi, ray.chandra@aalto.fi, david.rees@aalto.fi (please check the correct person from the linked pdf)

Offered projects:

1. Opacity investigation in the DIII-D divertor
2. Photon reflection model in EIRENE
3. OEDGE and OSM-EIRENE predictions of the detached divertor conditions in DIII-D L-mode plasmas
4. Sub-divertor gas dynamics in the JET tokamak
5. Plasma and neutral predictions of JET-ILW vertical divertor plasma configuration
6. EIRENE prediction of Fulcher band emission in JET D2 injection experiments
7. Impact of He versus D on power and momentum resolve in SOLPS-ITER simplified geometries
8. Comparison of SOLPS-ITER D and He plasmas for JET-ILW L-mode vertical configuration
9. Prediction of helium radiation in JET-ILW L-mode plasmas

More details can be found here.

Group leader: Matilda Backholm

Contact info: matilda.backholm@aalto.fi 

Offered project: Dynamics and mechanics of living or soft mesoscale systems

The Living, Fluid, & Soft Matter group conducts curiosity-driven research on the mechanics, dynamics, and flow of tiny living or soft systems. In this summer project, you will perform hands-on experiments, analyse your own data in MATLAB, and present your results during our group meetings. The research topic will be tuned based on your skills, experience, and interests. We welcome motivated students with a genuine interest in working in an experimental physics lab. This project should ideally constitute a BSc thesis, special assignment, or parts of a MSc thesis.

More details can be found here.

Group leader: Anton V. Zasedatelev

Contact info: anton.zasedatelev@aalto.fi 

The newly established experimental Macroscopic Quantum Optics group offers exciting projects for Bachelor and Master theses. Our research focuses on quantum phenomena in large-scale and complex systems, such as macroscopic quantum states of Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC). Using the advanced toolkit of quantum optics, you will learn to create light-matter BEC in the lab, even at room temperature, and contribute to achieving the first Bose-Einstein condensation of phonons and collective vibrations of matter, an experimental frontier yet to be realized.

In collaboration with our business partners at IBM and Microsoft, you will also have the opportunity to develop ultra-fast and energy-efficient optical computing technologies based on light-matter BEC, pushing beyond the state-of-the-art.

We are seeking passionate and driven BSc and MSc students with a preferable background / interest in atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) physics or quantum physics. Prior experimental experience is beneficial but not required. Motivated students will have the chance to continue their research as PhD candidates in our group.

1. A comparison of liquid nitrogen and liquid helium as cryogens for cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) by using ultramicrotomed sections of soft matter specimens

   Radiation damage is the most fundamental limitation for achieving high resolution in electron microscopy for beam sensitive samples such as soft matter and biological samples. Radiation damage can be reduced by cooling the specimen below the room temperature – usually done by using liquid nitrogen cooling. Aalto university nanomicroscopy center has a unique cryo-TEM microscope, which can be operated by using both liquid nitrogen and liquid helium cryogens (specimen temperature 86 K and 18 K respectively). In this project we study how much improvements can be achieved to reduce beam damage by using liquid helium cooling for ultramicrotomed sections of soft matter specimens.

   Contact info: Prof. Janne Ruokolainen, janne.ruokolainen@aalto.fi and Dr. Jani Seitsonen (Nanomicroscopy center, Manager), jani.seitsonen@aalto.fi

Group leader: Sebastiaan van Dijken

Offered projects:

1. Magnon-Phonon Coupling in YIG Micromechanical Bridge Oscillators

   Contact: Dr. Lukas Flajsman (lukas.flajsman@aalto.fi) and Prof. Sebastiaan van Dijken (sebastiaan.van.dijken@aalto.fi)

   Magnonics investigates the propagation of spin waves in magnetic materials, which can achieve frequencies ranging from GHz to THz. These spin waves have wavelengths several orders of magnitude smaller than electromagnetic waves at equivalent frequencies, making magnonics a promising avenue for developing compact, scalable microwave processing and telecommunication devices. This project aims to enhance the capabilities of magnonic systems by exploring the coupling between magnon excitations and micromechanical oscillations (phonons) in yttrium iron garnet (YIG) micromechanical bridge oscillators. Learning outcomes: High-quality YIG film growth (pulsed laser deposition), fabrication of YIG bridges (advanced electron-beam lithography), device characterization (optical interferometry to analyze mechanical oscillations and magneto-optical techniques to measure magnon modes). Milestone: Successful fabrication of YIG micromechanical bridge oscillators.

2. Creation and Manipulation of Magnetic Skyrmioniums 

   Contact: Dr. Rhodri Mansell (rhodri.mansell@aalto.fi) and Prof. Sebastiaan van Dijken (sebastiaan.van.dijken@aalto.fi)

   Recently, a novel magnetic spin texture known as magnetic skyrmionium has emerged. This particle-like object comprises a double ring of circular magnetic domains, with its topology arising from the twisting of spins within the magnetic structure. In the NanoSpin lab, we have demonstrated a method to generate skyrmioniums by applying short voltage pulses to specifically engineered thin-film magnetic multilayers interfaced with lithium supercapacitors. This summer project aims to deepen our understanding of the creation and annihilation of skyrmioniums by employing magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) microscopy under varying voltage pulses and applied magnetic fields. Additionally, we will investigate mechanisms that can drive skyrmionium motion, a key factor for their integration into data storage technologies. Learning outcomes: Multilayer film growth (magnetron sputtering), fabrication of functional devices (photolithography), magnetic characterization (MOKE microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM)), micromagnetic simulations (MuMax3 software). Milestone: Demonstration of skyrmionium formation using voltage pulses in a magneto-ionic device.

3. Magneto-Ionic Control of Spin Waves: A Pathway to Energy-Efficient Wave-Based Computing  

   Contact: Dr. Antoni Frej (antoni.frej@aalto.fi) and Prof. Sebastiaan van Dijken (sebastiaan.van.dijken@aalto.fi)

   Magnonic computing represents a new approach to information processing, leveraging spin waves and their quanta—magnons—instead of traditional electrical currents. This paradigm promises advancements in energy-efficient computing by reducing power consumption, enhancing speed, and enabling novel wave-based functionalities. Central to this innovation is the ability to dynamically control the properties of magnetic films through which spin waves propagate, allowing for reprogrammable computational tasks. Magneto-ionic devices offer a solution by employing voltage-driven ion migration from a solid-state electrolyte into a magnetic film. This process enables precise manipulation of spin-wave transport, opening new avenues for adaptive and versatile computing architectures. In this summer project, we aim at demonstrating, for the first time, magneto-ionic control of spin waves in yttrium iron garnet (YIG)—a complex oxide material renowned for its ultralow magnetic damping. Achieving this milestone will significantly advance the development of spin-wave computing technologies. Learning outcomes: Growth of YIG films, solid-state electrolytes, and electrodes (pulsed laser deposition and magnetron sputtering), device fabrication (photolithography), device characterization (chronoamperometry, cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge techniques, spin-wave spectroscopy, and time-resolved magneto-optic Kerr effect microscopy). Milestone: First demonstration of voltage control of spin waves in YIG films. 

4. Programmable Magnonic Fabry-Pérot Resonators: Building Blocks for Magnonic Neural Networks  

   Contact: Dr. Elias Abrao Neto (jose.abraoneto@aalto.fi) and Prof. Sebastiaan van Dijken (sebastiaan.van.dijken@aalto.fi)

   Spintronics is a rapidly evolving field that seeks to exploit the spin degree of freedom to process, transport, and store information. Among its key elements, spin waves—or their quanta, magnons—stand out for their potential in computing due to their broad frequency range (GHz – THz), short wavelength (down to a few nanometers), strong intrinsic nonlinearity, and energy efficiency (minimizing heat dissipation compared to electronics). Recently, novel approaches leveraging spin waves for neuromorphic computing have emerged. In the NanoSpin group, we lead a European research consortium dedicated to this exciting area. One of our primary objectives is to develop magnonic artificial neural networks (m-ANNs) using networks of magnonic resonators. A key innovation in our lab is the magnonic Fabry-Pérot resonator, consisting of low-loss YIG films and patterned ferromagnetic nanostripes. In this summer project, we aim to advance this research by making the resonator programmable via electric current. This programmability utilizes the spin-orbit torque effect to dynamically modify the resonator’s properties, including frequency, signal amplification, and nonlinearity, enabling the realization of reconfigurable m-ANNs. Learning outcomes: High-quality film growth (pulsed laser deposition and magnetron sputtering), device fabrication (electron-beam lithography), spin-wave characterization (spin-wave spectroscopy and super-Nyquist sampling magneto-optic Kerr effect (SNS-MOKE) microscopy). Milestone: First demonstration of current-programmable magnonic Fabry-Pérot resonator. 

More details can be found here: NanoSpin brochure

Group leader: Esko Kauppinen

Offered projects: Floating Catalyst Chemical Vapor Deposition Synthesis of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Using Iron-Aluminum Bimetallic Catalysts for transparent conducting film applications

This study will explore the synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) using a floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FC-CVD) method with bimetallic iron-aluminum catalysts. By optimizing catalyst composition and synthesis conditions, we aim to produce high-quality SWCNTs with exceptional structural and electronic properties. Advanced characterization techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, will be employed to analyze the morphology, purity, and optical features of the nanotubes. The SWCNTs will be evaluated for their transformative potential in transparent conducting film (TCF) applications. These films are expected to demonstrate outstanding transparency, conductivity, and mechanical flexibility, positioning them as ideal candidates for next-generation optoelectronic devices. This groundbreaking work will showcase the advantages of bimetallic catalysts in revolutionizing SWCNT synthesis and their promising applications in advanced material technologies.

Contact info: anastasios.karakasidis@aalto.fi 

Group leader: Andrea Sand

The Nuclear Materials and Engineering group uses computational methods to study the transport of energetic particles in matter and the formation of radiation-induced damage in materials for nuclear applications and other high-irradiation environments. Energetic neutrons and ions collide with atoms in the target materials, causing displacement damage in the crystalline structure, which often leads to degradation of both the physical and mechanical properties of the material. The mechanisms of energy dissipation during the initial impact influences the damage formation. Our work ranges from studying the energy dissipation pathways, to investigating the structure and properties of the defects that are formed, using a range of atomistic simulation techniques.

During the summer of 2025 we are looking for motivated students to work on the following projects, all of which are suitable for both BSc and MSc theses:

1. Effects of electronic conductivity on damage formation and defect morphology in metals
2. Surface erosion in nuclear fusion devices
3. Electronic energy losses calculated with time dependent density functional theory

More details can be found here: NuME projects

Group leader: Andriy Shevchenko (andriy.shevchenko@aalto.fi)

Photonics is one of the fastest growing high-tech industries in the world. What is still today achieved by transmitting and manipulating electrons, will tomorrow be obtained by harnessing photons. The future is bright! 

Specialists in optics are urgently needed in Finland!

The research of the Optics and Photonics group is focused on nanoscale light-matter interaction phenomena, optical metamaterials, nano-optical components, and advanced imaging techniques. The group is a partner in the national flagship program of Photonics Research and Innovation. Our premises are in Micronova, the national micro- and nanotechnology center.

We offer summer jobs in the following research projects:

1. Optical metamaterials and metasurfaces (possible applications in optical sensors and compact optical devices)
2. Advanced optical imaging (possible applications in aberration-insensitive microscopy that can be used in biology and medicine)
3. Optical chips (possible applications in optical information processing and LIDARs)

We expect as a result of the trainee period a B.Sc. thesis or an initiated M.Sc. thesis. 

More details can be found here. 

Group leader: Pertti Hakonen

Offered projects:

1. Highly sensitive charge detector for characterization of Majorana zero modes

   Contact: tosson.elalaily@aalto.fi

   In 2012, Leijnse and Flensberg proposed a minimal chain of double quantum dots (QDs) coupled via a common superconducting lead that can be tuned to host one MBS on each dot [1]. This pair of Majorana bound states is called Poor Man’s Majorana (PMM) as it has the same properties as MBS formed in topological superconductors but without topological protection. Recently, minimal Kitaev chain (MKC) were realized in hybrid nanowires [2] and two-dimensional electron gas system [3] (2DEG)-based Cooper pair splitters (CPS) [4,5]. The experimentally realized PMMs [2,3] were characterized by a zero-bias peak in the conductance of the QDs showing a stability against small local perturbations in the onsite energy of the QDs. However, this zero-bias peak may originate from nontopological Andreev-bound states (ABS) caused by disorder [6]. Probing other exotic properties e.g., Parity and the non-Abelian statistics of the PMM, can yield information about the quality of PMMs [7] and facilitate a roadmap for realizing robust MBS and hence topologically protected qubits [8]. As the MKC is realized, the ground state of the system becomes even-odd degenerate. This means that the two QDs have equal weight of the even and odd states [2,3]. As the system is tuned far from the degeneracy point, a charge difference between the even and the odd states develops in both QDs [7]. Probing this charge difference by means of a highly sensitive charge detector allows determination of the quality of the PMM [1,7].

   Project description  

   The candidate will develop a highly sensitive charge detector by fabricating inductive single-electron transistor (SET)-based Al/Al₂O₃/Al tunnel junctions [9,10]. The sensitivity of the fabricated SET devices will be fabricated at ultra-low temperatures using a dilution refrigerator with a base temperature of 10 mK. Furthermore, the SET will be tested by capacitively coupling it to a QD at which the charge transport can be probed.

   References

   [1] Leijnse, M. et al. (2012). 

   [2] Dvir, T. et al. (2023).  

   [3] Ten Haaf, S.L. et al. (2024).

   [4] Wang, G. et al. (2022).  

   [5] Wang, Q. et al. (2023).

   [6] Liu, J. et al. (2012).  

   [7] Tsintzis, A. et al. (2024).

   [8] Sau, J.D. et al. (2012).

   [9] Sillanpää, M.A. et al. (2004).

   [10] Sillanpää, M.A. et al. (2005). 

2. Quantifying the role of defects on low-temperature transport properties of graphite

   Contact: jere.makinen@aalto.fi

   Room-temperature superconductivity – flow of current without losses at room temperature – is one of the holy grails in modern physics research. No known theory sets limits that would prevent such a phenomenon from taking place, but it remains an open question whether such a material can be realized in practice. Carbon-based materials are a promising, as the transport properties of the material heavily depend on how the atoms are organized – diamond is an insulator while e.g. the mono-layer carbon sheet, graphene, is a gate-tunable conductor. Moreover, it was recently shown experimentally, that under certain conditions multi-layer graphene systems exhibit superconductivity at (relatively speaking) extraordinarily high temperatures, with a few controversial articles claiming superconductivity near or even exceeding room temperature. Significant progress in theoretical understanding of few-layer systems has been achieved, but similar understanding of thicker (more layers) samples is still absent and therefore quantitative study is warranted.

   Project description

   The candidate will utilize existing samples or prepare new ones in the cleanroom by exfoliation, and characterize their properties using Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The candidate will then characterize the transport properties of the sample between room temperature and the base temperature (~10 mK) of a dilution refrigerator. Finally, the candidate will controllably introduce defects on the sample by electron beam and/or ion irradiation, characterize the defects, and, by again utilizing a dilution refrigerator, measure how the transport properties of the sample have changed.

3.  Modern architectural methods in Low Temperature Physics

   Contact: ilari.lilja@aalto.fi
   
   Scalability of complicated assemblies of quantum devices presents itself as a significant challenge along various contemporary topics in low temperature physics. In conventional superconducting quantum devices, a way to route signals towards the operated device sometimes cannot be implemented in a 2D space. This problem can be solved with extending the available space to 3D. This approach is accomplished by an architecture separated between multiple on-chip structures, connected to each other.The technology of flip-chip bonding, being the state-of-the-art solution, allows for connecting of multiple, in this work 2, chips in a reproducible and well-controlled manner [1]. Another significant advantage of this approach is that the chip hosting the quantum device can be fabricated separately from the chip containing leads. One of the significant issues to be investigated is the strength of coupling, achieved with flip-chip bonding. This technology is widely used in industry as well. In the superconducting field the procedure is implemented in the following 2 chip process: 1st chip is connected to the environment in a regular manner employing superconducting bond wires, while the 2nd chip hosts the quantum device. To facilitate contact, indium bumps are evaporated on the first chip through a photoresist mask. After removing the mask, the chips are squeezed together using a special device - the flip-chip bonder - which positions the 2 chips along each other, controlling tilt, height and strength of squeezing. The result of the process yields a fully assembled quantum device. 
   
   Project description

   In this work, the student will learn all the necessary steps to be able to employ the flip-chip bonding technique. In the first stage, the student learns the essential basic skills in microfabrication: photolithography and evaporation. Once photolithography of indium has been successfully completed on the test chips, flip-chip bonding and regular wire bonds are affixed to finalize the assembly. In the third stage, the student will perform the measurement of the assembled device, which is a notch-type superconducting cavity. The quality of the assembly will be compared with a similar reference cavity. As a final step, the estimation of achieved quality factor and coupling strength of the device will be performed with simulation tools, such as Comsol Multiphysics. In the future, the project can be extended to include assemblies of graphene/2D materials based devices. The knowledge of basic microwave electrodynamics is a benefit [2]. 

   [1] Sandoko Kosen et al 2022 Quantum Sci. Technol. 7 035018

   [2] Pozar, D. M. (2021). Microwave engineering: theory and techniques. John wiley & sons.

Group leader: Mikko Möttönen

Our summer student projects include the following (see list below). For a general view of the research conducted in the group, please visit 

1. Unimon qubit
2. Control of dissipation in superconducting qubits
3. Control and measurement of superconducting qubits
4. Ultrasensitive microwave detector
5. Quantum sensing and communications
6. Quantum heat engine and refrigerator

More details can be found here.

Group leader: Päivi Törmä

The Quantum Dynamics group (Prof. Päivi Törmä) offers the following two projects:

1. Nanoparticle array flat bands for novel efficient organic light emitting diodes (OLEDS) (experiment)
2. Nanoparticle array flat bands for novel efficient OLEDS (theory and simulation) 

For descriptions of the projects and how to apply, please see more information here.

Group leader: Mika Sillanpää

Nanomechanical systems in the quantum limit, superconducting qubits, magneto-acoustic hybrid systems. Experimental work done in the premises of Low Temperature Laboratory.

The projects are designed to be suitable as a special assignment or bachelor's thesis work. In many cases they can also be extended as a diploma work. The experimental projects involve design and simulations, and hands-on work in the laboratory either with device fabrication or measurements. The projects give an excellent overview of cutting-edge experimental research on an exciting topic with a strong relevance to quantum technologies.

Group offers projects related to the topics:

1. Coupled HBAR resonators
2. Time-resolved electromechanical measurements
3. Functionalized membrane resonators for gravity studies
4. Frequency tuning of superconducting 3D microwave cavity

More details can be found here.

Group leader: Robin Ras (robin.ras@aalto.fi) 

Soft Matter and Wetting (SMW) is a multidisciplinary research group consisting of physicists, biophysicist and chemists. Our research is focused on functional soft materials and wettability of the surfaces. Many of the materials we work on are inspired by nature, such as superhydrophobic biological surfaces (e.g., lotus leaf, butterfly wings). 

We are offering summer positions for students that are highly motivated and interested to work on synthesis, state-of-the-art experimentation and advanced data analysis in the field of soft matter and wetting. The summer student will work in a fully supportive atmosphere surrounded by highly ambitious and talented researchers. The offered projects are listed below.

1. Training a Neural Network model to detect droplets on a surface
   
   Instructor: Dr. Juuso Korhonen (juuso.korhonen@aalto.fi) 
   
   We have developed a novel method for surface wetting characterisation employing random array of droplets that grow over time. The droplet array is deposited using either a water spray, a mist, or by forced condensation. The data from the instrument is recorded as video files, which are analysed for quantitative information about the individual droplet sizes, their location, velocity, and other features.
   
   The topic of the summer trainee is to train and test a machine learning model for detecting the droplets using DeepTrack neural network package. The tasks include generating artificial particle videos using a simulation approach, then using these data to train the neural network using the Triton supercomputer cluster, evaluating the model performance against the current best algorithm, and finally implementing the solution into the analysis pipeline.
   
   Candidates with prior expertise with interfacial wetting physics, optics, machine learning, computer vision, and/or the Python programming language are prioritised.
   
   The task is suitable from a B.Sc. thesis to an M.Sc. thesis.
    
2. Testing prototype contact angle measurement device
   
   Instructor: Dr. Heikki Nurmi (heikki.nurmi@aalto.fi) 
   
   We developed a novel measurement device for characterising low contact angles using a laser beam. The measurement is done with a custom GUI written for linear stages, raspberry pi and a camera. The laser beam shape is captured by the camera and analysed with the same GUI.
   
   The topic of the summer trainee is to test the device and validate the analysis of this device against contact angle goniometer. The student will do measurements on the prototype and contact angle goniometer and compare their results. Depending on the interest of the student, development of the prototype can be included in the project in co-operation with the instructor.
   
   Candidates with prior expertise with interfacial wetting physics, optics, and/or the Python programming language are prioritized.
   
   The task is suitable from a B.Sc. thesis to an M.Sc. thesis.

Group leader: Sorin Paraoanu

Superconducting circuits are one of the most promising experimental platforms for the realization of quantum computers and simulators. A superconducting qubit behaves as an artificial two-level system, with transitions between the ground state and the first excited state being driven by resonant microwave fields. In the Kvantti group we design, fabricate and measure these amazing devices. We also work on superconducting parametric amplifiers and their applications for generation of entanglement and for sensing. We have four main research projects for the next summer. Note that they might look “advanced” (and they are!) but all of them can be tailored to adjust your level (B.Sc. thesis, M.Sc. thesis, etc.) and your interests. If you are interested in quantum technologies, maybe this is your place to be.

Offered projects:

1. Efficient gates and readout protocols for superconducting processors - Mitigating errors in two-qubit gates for scalable quantum computing
2. Entanglement in parametric devices - Gain and generation of entanglement in Josephson-based parametric amplifiers
3. Quantum thermodynamics - Quantum heat engines with superconducting circuits
4. Dark matter detectors - Design and implementation of protocols for detecting candidates for dark matter

See more details here.

Group leader: Adam Foster (adam.foster@aalto.fi)

The SIN group offers a range of possibilities to study surface and interface physics at the nanoscale, with particular emphasis on linking machine learning methods to atomistic simulations and experiments. If you are interested, contact us and we can discuss tailoring a project to your background and preferences.

See more details here. 

Group leader: Vladimir Eltsov

The Topological Superfluids (ROTA) group studies topological quantum matter, which is a booming area in the modern condensed-matter physics. Our system of choice is superfluid ³He at ultra-low (microkelvin) temperatures, which combines features of topological insulators, metals and superconductors and provide analogies with the structure of the whole Universe -- see for a popular discussion.

We are interested in particular in emergent quasiparticles with non-trivial properties, like Majorana and Weyl fermions or analogues of Higgs boson. Another remarkable property of ³He is spin superfluidity. We recently used it to realize interacting time crystals, which may enable construction of a new generation of quantum devices. For our research we use a world-wide unique experimental equipment and state-of-the-art theoretical methods.

We invite summer students to join development of new experimental techniques and numerical methods. This work will allow you to open new horizons in research and to put a solid foundation for your continuous progress from the Bachelor's to the Master's and then to the Doctoral degree. 

This year we offer a numerical modeling project:

1. Simulation of topological superfluid interacting with nanostructures
    

If you are more inclined to perform experimental research, you are nevertheless welcome to apply and a suitable project can be found.

More information can be found here.

Creating and Testing Electronic Assignments for Physics Teaching

Supervisors: Petri Salo, Ville Havu, and Jani Sainio

Contact: Petri.Salo@aalto.fi

In the basic physics courses, electronic Stack assignments are used. The summer job project involves developing electronic assignments for exercises and laboratory work.

In this summer job project, you will learn how to create electronic assignments and become familiar with modern web-based teaching tools. These skills will be beneficial for future teaching roles, especially for teaching assistants.

Successful completion of the job requires completed first-year studies before starting work. In particular, a good command of first-year physics and programming in required, as well as a basic knowledge of Moodle and LaTeX. Familiarity with various web tools, such as HTML, and mathematical applications, like Maxima, will be considered an advantage.

The duration of the job is 3 months. This project cannot be used as a B.Sc. thesis topic. The job requires proficiency in the Finnish language.