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Department of Applied Physics

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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  (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 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.

Top news

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Research & Art Published:

EU grants for improving human interaction with AI, soft wet adhesion physics and the capacity of legal systems

Corinna Coupette, Maja Vuckovac and Robin Welsch receive 1.5-million-euro ERC Starting Grants.
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.
Photo of prof. Yaolin Xu by Mikko Raskinen/Aalto University.
Awards and Recognition Published:

Prof. Yaolin Xu’s battery research awarded prestigious energy storage prize

Track record and future potential in building better energy storage solutions landed Assistant Professor Xu the Energy Storage Materials Young Scientist Award.
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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.
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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.

Recent News

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Awards and Recognition, Research & Art Published:

Science Day at the Department of Applied Physics showcased young talent

The day included talks, posters and alumni presentations.
Lukiolaisia Shaking up Tech -tapahtuman messualueella
Studies Published:

Shaking up Tech encourages young women and minorities to explore technology

The Shaking up Tech event will take place on 22 January 2026. The Event is aimed at young women and gender minorities who are considering their future study and career paths.
Photo of prof. Yaolin Xu by Mikko Raskinen/Aalto University.
Awards and Recognition Published:

Prof. Yaolin Xu’s battery research awarded prestigious energy storage prize

Track record and future potential in building better energy storage solutions landed Assistant Professor Xu the Energy Storage Materials Young Scientist Award.
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Research & Art Published:

Research groups

Additional resources

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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.

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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

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.
puhutaan suomea
Languages and multiculturality

Puhutaan suomea - Learning Finnish together!

Welcome to learn and practice your Finnish skills!
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.
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Conferences

TexirC seminar day

Join for a day of talks on polymer and textile recycling technlogy!

Where to find us

Nanotalo building

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Nanotalo

Kide

Konemiehentie 1

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Micronova

Tietotie 3

Micronova cleanroom kuva: Aino Huovio
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