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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

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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.
Photo of Robin Ras
Awards and Recognition Published:

Prof. Robin Ras elected as member of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters

Membership of the Academy is awarded to scientists distinguished in their field. Ras is an internationally prominent researcher of surfaces and wetting.
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

Five people with a diploma and flowers.
Awards and Recognition, Campus, Research & Art Published:

Spring term open science highlight: Aalto Open Science Award Ceremony

We gathered at A Grid to celebrate the awardees of the Aalto Open Science Award 2024 and discuss open science topics with the Aalto community.
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.

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

MSc_thesis_CS
Lectures and seminars

Department of Computer Science: MSc Thesis Presentations

SECCLO students will present their MSc theses on Tuesday 17 June at 9:00-15:05 via Zoom.
Control Framework by Otacilio Neto
For Aalto community Lectures and seminars

CMET Coffee and Science - June

Do you have an interesting scientific topic and you would like to share it? Have you been working on a tool that could be beneficial for others? Or are you perhaps interested in presenting your research? Any topic related to science is welcome to our Coffee & Science monthly networking session!
Poster for Central Campus Rock Fest with several band names, date 17 June 2025, time 11:00-14:00 at Servin Mökki.
For Aalto community Other

Relocation to Central Campus Rock Fest – Let’s Make Some Noise!

Relocation to Central Campus Rock Fest event at Servin Mökki for the staff of the service units that moved/relocated in spring 2025.
Doctoral hat floating above a speaker's podium with a microphone.
Public defences

Public defence in Chemical Engineering, M.Sc. Mitra Ila

Optimizing purification of bio-based diols and polyols using crystallization techniques.

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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