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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  (QTF, 2018-2025) and (LIBER, 2022-2029). Further quantum technologies are facilitated by the national quantum institute – , 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

Close-up of a glowing dual processor on a dark motherboard with futuristic light effects and detailed circuitry.
Press releases, Research & Art Published:

New quantum record: Transmon qubit coherence reaches millisecond threshold

The result foreshadows a leap in computational capabilities, with researchers now inviting experts around the globe to reproduce the groundbreaking measurement.
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Appointments, Research & Art Published:

Prof. Anton Zasedatelev: Light and matter in the quantum realm

The new Assistant Professor aims to develop optical computing technologies operating at the fundamental limits of speed and energy.
Two people in professional attire. Left wears a tweed jacket with white shirt, right wears a grey suit and light shirt.
Awards and Recognition Published:

Scientific merit and fostering new talent land two major physics prizes

Prominent quantum professors Päivi Törmä and Jukka Pekola were awarded not just for their strong scientific work, but also for the massive impact they’ve had on the quantum community in Finland and abroad.
Microbolometer integrated into a resonator circuit shows detailed view with multiple magnifications.
Press releases Published:

New thermal sensor presents novel way to carry out cryogenic measurements

The on-chip bolometer cuts down on costs and complexity while boasting ten times broader operational range.
Award announcement for Prof. Andrew Cleland, University of Chicago, as the Olli V. Lounasmaa Memorial Prize 2025 Winner.
Awards and Recognition Published:

Olli V. Lounasmaa Memorial Prize awarded to Prof. Andrew Cleland

Prof. Cleland’s work with micromechanical devices and qubits landed the foremost Finnish low-temperature physics prize.
Two images of a cracked wall, the left one light grey and the right one dark grey.
Press releases Published:

More durable airplanes and buildings possible after physicists untangle engineering paradox

A team of researchers combined statistical physics and fracture mechanics to explain why cracks and faults travel faster when stress in materials is allowed to relax once in a while.

Recent News

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Research & Art Published:

Researchers turn energy loss into a way of creating lossless photonics-based devices

Turning energy loss from a fatal flaw into a dial for fine-tuning new states of matter into existence could yield better laser, quantum and optical technology.
Close-up of a glowing dual processor on a dark motherboard with futuristic light effects and detailed circuitry.
Press releases, Research & Art Published:

New quantum record: Transmon qubit coherence reaches millisecond threshold

The result foreshadows a leap in computational capabilities, with researchers now inviting experts around the globe to reproduce the groundbreaking measurement.
Person wearing a patterned knit sweater and grey turtleneck in a science laboratory with metal equipment in the background.
Awards and Recognition, Research & Art Published:

Postdoctoral researcher Bayan Karimi wins 2025 Young Scientist Prize

The prize is the 2025 IUPAP Young Scientist Prize for the Commission on Low Temperature Physics (C5).
Jouko Lampisen kolmoiskuva. Kuvat: Tiina Aulanko-Jokirinne
For Aalto community Campus Published:

Dean Jouko Lampinen: Thank you for a successful year!

In addition to some appointment news, there are a bunch of new projects starting up in the School of Science. Dean Jouko Lampinen wishes everyone a relaxing summer.

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 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.

Logo with the word 'InstituteQ' featuring a gold and black circular design, on a white textured background.

InstituteQ coordinates quantum research, education, and business in Finland

QTF-hero logo

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

Two people are sitting on a bench in an empty hallway. One of them shows the other something from their laptop screen.
Information sessions

Webinar: FITech 5G -opintojen avulla uudelle uralle – esimerkkinä laitteistoläheinen ohjelmointi

Welcome to FITech’s webinar on hardware-oriented programming on 14 August 2025!
A person stands in a modern classroom, interacting with glowing digital holograms.
For Aalto community Staff trainings, Support for digital teaching

AI at CHEM for Teachers – Course Practicalities and Preparation for Autumn

CHEM teacher: Get ready for autumn teaching with tips on using AI tools, Aalto AI Assistant, and guiding students in responsible AI use.
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Campus, Exhibitions

Alusta Pavilion opening at Otaniemi campus

Welcome to the Opening of the Alusta Pavilion!
Students walking on the Aalto campus in the spring. Photo by Aalto University
Campus

A! Walk

A! Walks is a summer course centered around walking-based learning, exploring Otaniemi campus and its surrounding urban–natural spaces. Rather than standalone lectures or experiments, the program is designed as a curated sequence of sensory, interdisciplinary walks, guiding participants toward experiences in coexistence, awareness, action, and futures. If successful, A! Walks may be continued during the regular semester.

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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