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• Supervisor – Prof. Tero Heikkilä (Ģ��ֱ��)
• Instructors v Prof. Juha Muhonen and Dr Alberto Hijano (Univ. Jyväskylä) 
• Email – Tero.T.Heikkila@jyu.fi
• Primary location – Ģ��ֱ��

In this theoretical physics project we will study the coupling between periodically driven nonlinear  hybrid  systems  while  maintaining  their  quantum  coherence  even  in  the  presence  of thermal noise. This work is directly relevant in assessing the quality of quantum buses between silicon-based spin qubits realized in a nearby experimental group in Jyväskylä. It contributes also to other fields such as quantum thermodynamics and topology of non-Hermitian systems. The doctoral researcher will also get to visit the IQM company during the PhD period to discuss the results of their work.

• Supervisors – Dr. R. Tuovinen
• Instructors – Dr. R. Tuovinen, Prof. R. van Leeuwen
• Email – riku.m.s.tuovinen@jyu.fi , robert.vanleeuwen@jyu.fi 
• Primary location – Ģ��ֱ��

The main goal is an accurate and practical calculation of non-equilibrium dynamics in quantum materials, employing near-future quantum processors. This enables investigating how correlated quantum materials dynamically respond to external stimuli and relax, and what the associated time scales for such mechanisms are. Recent advances in time-resolved spectroscopies stem from state-of-the-art experimental techniques, including advanced light sources, from terahertz to extreme ultraviolet range [1]. These improvements allow for precise control in exciting quantum materials, deepening our understanding of how they behave out of equilibrium, also necessitating microscopic theories and simulations of the dynamical processes. Non-equilibrium Green’s functions (NEGF) encode exhaustive information on the properties and excitations of interacting particles [2], but they can be computationally challenging on a classical computer. Recent efforts have been directed toward finding quantum algorithms for this task [3].

[1] A. de la Torre, D. Kennes, M. Claassen, S. Gerber, J. McIver, and M. Sentef, Rev. Mod. Phys. 93, 041002 (2021).

[2] G. Stefanucci and R. van Leeuwen, Nonequilibrium Many-Body Theory of Quantum Systems (CUP 2013).

[3] F. Libbi, J. Rizzo, F. Tacchino, N. Marzari, and I. Tavernelli Phys. Rev. Research 4, 043038 (2022).

• Supervisor – Dr. Tuomas Puurtinen 
• Email – tuomas.a.puurtinen@jyu.fi 
• Primary location – Ģ��ֱ��, Department of Physics

Quantum heat conduction is a key mechanism that determines sensitivity and energy resolution of superconducting photon detectors used in space exploration. At sub-Kelvin temperatures, heat transport can be strongly modified by nano-structures that reflect and scatter phonons – the quanta of heat. We develop theoretical  and  computational  models  to  expand  understanding  of  phonon transport in suspended transition-edge sensors and microwave kinetic inductance detectors fabricated by our collaborators at NASA and SRON. This project aims to provide new simulation tools and data to support prototyping processes for new detectors in these categories.

• Supervisor – Academy Research Fellow Stefan Ilić
• Instructors – Professor Tero Heikkilä
• Email – stefan.d.ilic@jyu.fi, tero.t.heikkila@jyu.fi
• Primary location – Department of Physics, Nanoscience Center, Ģ��ֱ��

This project will theoretically investigate the recently discovered supercurrent diode effect (SDE) in new quantum materials. This effect shows up via a non-reciprocal current flow: supercurrent can flow in one direction, whereas only a regular dissipative current can flow in the other. The mechanism behind SDE is helical superconductivity – an unusual superconducting state that is enabled by breaking both the time-reversal and inversion symmetries in a superconductor. SDE is  a  topic  at  the  forefront  of  research  in  condensed  matter  physics,  attracting  considerable attention from both theorists and experimentalists. The doctoral student will employ state-of-the-art  quasiclassical  Green’s  function techniques  developed  in  our  group  (both  analytics  and numerics) to push forward the theoretical understanding of SDE. The student will also collaborate with  world-leading  experimental  groups  to  help  model  and  explain  their measurements. Investigation of SDE is of direct significance for development of new quantum technologies, as it has a potential to provide a building block for the new generation of cryogenic electronics.

• Supervisor – Asst. Prof. Kezilebieke Shawulienu
• Instructors – Dr. Atif Ghafoor
• Email – kezilebieke.a.shawulienu@jyu.fi
• Primary location – Department of Physics, Jyväskylä University, Finland

In this project, we aim to develop new experimental techniques to investigate the optoelectronic properties of two-dimensional materials at the atomic scale. Our focus will be on exploring nanoscopic magnetic and optical landscapes within twisted van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures, where two atomically thin materials are rotated relative to each other. By doing so, we aim to create materials with novel magnetic or optoelectronic properties. This project will mark the first attempt to probe these properties at the atomic scale, leading to a detailed understanding necessary for utilizing these effects in novel applications.In particular, these 2D artificial materials show promise in optoelectronic device applications, including electrolumi-nescent devices, photovoltaic solar cells, and photodetectors.

• Supervisor – Prof. Ilari Maasilta
• Instructors – Aki Ruhtinas (JyU), Dr. Zhuoran Geng (JyU),  Joel Hätinen (VTT)
• Email – maasilta@jyu.fi
• Primary location – Nanoscience Center, Department of Physics, Ģ��ֱ��

Most quantum technology applications require cooling of the active devices to cryogenic temperatures, usually performed with expensive and bulky dilution refrigerators. This project aims to develop much simpler solid-state on-chip microrefrigerators based on superconducting junction technology. We will mostly focus on high-quality superconducting nitride materials, which are predicted to perform better than the current standard material aluminum.

• Prof. Markus Ahlskog (Supervisor, markus.e.ahlskog@jyu.fi), Docent Juha Merikoski (juha.t.merikoski@jyu.fi)
• Ģ��ֱ�� (JyU), Nanoscience Center and Dept. of Physics

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) consist of several cylindrical, concentric graphene sheets. They have capability for all the proven quantum transport properties of single walled nanotubes [M. Ahlskog et al., European Physical Journal B, 95, Nr. 130 (2022)], and, in addition, important possibilities stemming from the electronic interactions between adjacent layers, which again are intensively studied in bilayer graphene systems. Therefore, there is much potential in the MWNT as a key component in quantum device circuits. For the purpose of such applications, the precise structure of the outer layers of MWNTs will be investigated much more thoroughly than before.

• Supervisor – Prof. Juha Muhonen, JYU
• Instructors – CSO Janne Lehtinen, Semiqon Oy 
• Email – juha.t.muhonen@jyu.fi
• Primary location – Ģ��ֱ��

Donor spins in silicon are a promising platform for quantum sensing and quantum computation. Currently  single  donor spin  readout  still  requires  millikelvin  temperatures  and  high  magnetic fields. In this project we will develop a new readout method for donor spins based on a resonant spin-dependent bound exciton transition which we will excite using resonant lasers and detect using  on-chip  detectors  based  on  the  silicon  quantum  dot  devices  produced  by  the start-up Semiqon Oy. This readout can work at low magnetic fields and 4 K temperatures. The project is done in close collaboration with Semiqon Oy. The integration of commercial silicon quantum dots, donor spins and silicon photonics will produce a novel quantum sensing and quantum computing platform with both research and commercial potential.

• Supervisor – Prof. Juha Muhonen, JYU
• Instructors – Postdoctoral researcher to be hired with flagship funding
• Email – juha.t.muhonen@jyu.fi
• Primary location – Ģ��ֱ��

Silicon is the foundation of current information technology. At the same time, it harbors some of the best-known qubit systems - in the form of donor spins and gate defined quantum dots - and is also the underlying material for advanced photonics activity. In addition, photonics structures in  silicon  can  be  used  to  define  optomechanical  cavities  where the  vibrations  of  nanoscale mechanical  resonators  can  be  probed  down  to  the  quantum  level  with  laser  light. Here we propose  to  bring  all  these  developments  together  by  coupling  silicon  donor  spins  into optomechanical structures. This will both enable optical readout for the donor spins and provide a fully-fledged architecture for quantum computation with the mechanical elements serving as coupling bus for intermediate distances while the coupled photonic waveguides allow for long-distance coupling.

• Supervisor – Prof. Jussi Toppari
• Instructors – Staff Scientists Pasi Myllyperkiö and Kimmo Kinnunen, as well as experienced PhD student Ville Tiainen
• Email – j.jussi.toppari@jyu.fi
• Primary location – Ģ��ֱ��, Dept. of Physics and Nanoscience center

Increasing the interaction between light and matter until hybrid light-matter states, i.e., polaritons emerge will bring up unique quantum mechanical properties. Polaritons enable control of excitation energy transfer via different relaxation pathways, allowing ultra-long range energy transfer, and even room temperature Bose-Einstein condensates. Inorganic semiconductor devices are central to modern photo electronics, but organic materials have been touted for years as a cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative. However, optical devices based on organic semiconductors are hampered by severe fundamental limitations in terms of exciton diffusion length, emission direction, and undesired processes due to large number of possible excited state reaction pathways. Hybrid polariton states could provide a method to eliminate such limitations and would therefore be of great importance for future applications and our society.

This project will concentrate to determine the relaxation pathways and excitation energy transfer within the polaritons formed by strong light-matter coupling between organic molecules and confined light mode, such as surface plasmon resonance or Fabry-Pérot cavity mode. The aim is to systematically test how the chosen excited state molecular dynamics effect the coherence and lifetime of the polariton state and can we predict or even program the direction of the energy flow. This would allow guiding of energy within a molecular level, like in the photosynthesis in the plants but via coherent quantum mechanical delocalized polariton states.

• Supervisor – Professor Timo Sajavaara, timo.sajavaara@jyu.fi
• Instructor (I) – Senior lecturer Jaakko Julin, jaakko.julin@jyu.fi
• Instructor (II) – Academy research fellow Mikko Laitinen mikko.i.laitinen@jyu.fi
• Primary location of the project – Department of Physics, Ģ��ֱ��

Ion beam techniques are useful tools to probe and modify quantum materials, such as superconductors, graphene, topological insulators and embedded optically active nanostructures. The use of ion beam techniques is already well established within semiconductor industry and thin film research in connection to it. The smaller dimensions typical for quantum materials are, however, a challenge for existing ion beam tools and the need for better quantification of composition and areal density is rapidly growing.

This experimental project combines the ion beam knowledge within Accelerator Laboratory (ACCLAB) and quantum material knowledge within NanoScience Center (NSC) to develop better tools for characterization and modification of quantum materials.

• Supervisor – Hannu Häkkinen
• Instructors – Hannu Häkkinen, Sami Malola
• Email – hannu.j.hakkinen@jyu.fi
• Primary location – Ģ��ֱ��, Department of Physics (JYFL)

This project investigates metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that are based on metal nanoclusters linked via transition metal ions, by theoretical and computational methods. The results may motivate experiments to make novel quantum materials, e.g., for room-temperature spin-dependent conductors and spin switches controlled by chirality of superatomic clusters as MOF building blocks.

• Supervisor – Dr. Tommi Eronen
• Instructors – Dr. Tommi Eronen, Prof. Iain D. Moore
• Email – tommi.eronen@jyu.fi / iain.d.moore@jyu.fi
• Primary location – Department of Physics, Ģ��ֱ��

Laser cooling and trapping techniques have provided outstanding possibilities in fields of research connected with the controlled manipulation of quantum objects, for example cold trapped atoms, ions, and molecules, for applications ranging from quantum sensors and quantum clocks to fundamental research. Most of the research and subsequent technological applications however are focused on the use of stable isotopes. Exciting new opportunities may become available using exotic radioactive atoms, e.g., the potential use of ²²⁹Th as a candidate for an optical nuclear clock, or manufacturing nuclei for quantum information processing.

To unlock new opportunities in this direction, we need to develop efficient methods of manipulating atoms and ions produced in trace amounts. Due to atomic structure, laser cooling techniques can only be applied to a selected set of elements, resulting in a limitation in widespread use. We therefore propose to develop and demonstrate the method of sympathetic cooling of trapped radioactive ions. Sympathetic cooling uses a combination of an ion species that is amenable to laser cooling, in our case ⁸⁸Sr⁺, with a radioactive ion of interest that may not possess a suitable electronic transition for fast cyclic laser excitation. Coupling between both species is provided via the Coulomb interaction. This way, the benefits of laser cooling, for example reduced Doppler broadening, can be efficiently transferred to any exotic species. The methods to be demonstrated in this project have the potential to provide opportunities for prospects in quantum metrology and quantum sensing of radioactive or trace atoms.

• Supervisor – Prof. Lauri Kettunen, Prof. Tommi Mikkonen, IT-faculty 
• Instructors – Prof. Lauri Kettunen, Prof. Tommi Mikkonen
• Email - lauri.y.o.kettunen@jyu.fi, tommi.j.mikkonen@jyu.fi
• Primary location – Ģ��ֱ��

Solution of connected physics field problems is vital in hardware design, and especially, in developing new technology such as the hardware of quantum computers. The accuracy and precision is typically limited by the computing power. Accordingly, in so called multi-physics simulation there is a call for quantum algorithms that take the advantage of the inherent properties of quantum computers. Starting from fluid dynamics, Navier-Stokes equations, and the Lattice Boltzman Method the aim of this research work is to create a framework of efficient quantum algorithms exploitable in solving multiphysics field problems.

• Supervisor – Ian Oliver
• Instructors – Henri Heinonen
• Email – ian.j.oliver@jyu.fi
• Primary location – Faculty of IT, Ģ��ֱ��

Extending chains of trust from supply-chain to run-time using PCQ and Quantum computing enhanced integrity measurement, identity and remote attestation: Trusted Computing in the Quantum Age.

• Supervisor – Tommi Mikkonen Tommi.j.mikkonen@jyu.fi 
• Instructor – Vlad Stirbu Vlad.a.stirbu@jyu.fi
• Primary location – Ģ��ֱ��

This project develops middleware solutions and efficient execution environments to enable hardware-independent quantum and quantum-classical hybrid software development. We aim to produce new open-source software while leverage existing established solutions.

• Supervisor – Dr. Joonas Hämäläinen
• Supervisor – Dr. Majid Haghparast
• Instructor – Prof. Tommi Mikkonen 
• Email – joonas.k.hamalainen@jyu.fi 
• Primary location – Ģ��ֱ��, Faculty of Information Technology

One of the common categories of machine learning approaches is the so-called kernel methods, where the main idea is to use positive definite kernels (usually referred to as kernels) to map input vec- tors to high-dimensional kernel space. Interestingly, there is an intuitive connection between kernel methods and quantum computing; in both cases, processing is conducted in a high-dimensional space (feature space in kernel methods and Hilbert space in quantum computing).  This connec- tion induces an attractive research area of developing kernel methods for quantum computers. In the QML domain, one of the first prime examples of the exponential speed potential was quantum matrix inversion (QMI) which can be used to solve linear systems of equations. Its classical counter- part is of the one core linear algebra routines used in kernel methods model training. According to the representer theorem, using the implicit way with inner products (the way with kernel methods) leads to a smaller error compared to the explicit quantum models approach in supervised machine learning tasks.  Therefore, quantum kernel methods can provide siqnificant improvements in two aspects: i) computational complexity and ii) accuracy. 

This Project aims to advance knowledge and develop methods about quantum kernel machine learning methods. The main aim is to develop implementations of efficient kernel methods that can take advantage of the performance of quantum computing. The implementations will be programmed in the Qiskit Terra environment with Python. It is expected that this project will provide novel quantum kernel methods implementations and extend knowledge about quantum kernel methods. This project will also explore possibility of opening novel machine learning application domain, quantum multi-label learning, where the main focus is adapting quantum kernel methods for multi-label learning. 

• Supervisor – Prof. Timo Hämäläinen, timo.t.hamalainen@jyu.fi

The project will design a leading-edge security assurance and validation environment, with a supporting cybersecurity system integration reference model, with a focus on architectural choices and connection of networks from different vertical use cases. The model covers common architecture, protocols, certificates, interoperation, processes, update issues, tools, and requirements.  The focus of the model is on feasibility and effectiveness, supporting different types of use scenarios. The model will enable migration to quantum-safety. In our vision, quantum safety and PQC infrastructure competence in Finland can potentially act as a driving force behind European and Finnish digital sovereignty and form the basis for a significant competitive advantage in the global cybersecurity, telecommunications, and industrial automation business. The PQCSM’s model enables coordinated effort towards these goals. The beneficiaries of the project's results include companies with Information Technology or industrial automation environments, developers and users of edge and access services, cybersecurity operators and developers of PQC- solutions.

• Supervisor – Dr Niraj Ramesh Dayama
• Email – niraj.r.dayama@jyu.fi
• Instructors – Prof Tommi Mikkonen
• Primary location – Ģ��ֱ�� (alternative work locations possible in Helsinki)

Stochastic optimization tools – including stochastic modelling – provide an important technique to understand, analyze and hence do predictions for diverse industrial segments spanning across finance/banking, weather forecasting, manufacturing and biochemistry. But now, emerging modern problems in large scale systems are challenging the limitation of the traditional methods in stochastic predictions. Clearly, there is a need for a better computational tool for practical stochastic modelling.

Quantum computers offer a promising solution to this challenge. It has been theoretically shown that quantum computers can effectively model stochastic scenario. However, there have been very limited attempts to take the theory into practice and hence validate it against realistic scenarios.

We propose a research project that explores the capabilities of currently available quantum computers to address industry-provided problems requiring stochastic modelling and predictions. We target two specific applications: City-wide electric network modelling and predicting day-ahead electricity requirements. Both these problems are classical operations research topics with strong practical industrial applications. Benchmark data is also available for comparison and validation.

• Supervisor – Prof. Teiko Heinosaari (JyU)
• Instructors – Dr. Francesco Cosco (VTT), Dr. Daniel Reitzner (VTT)
• Email – teiko.heinosaari@jyu.fi, francesco.cosco@vtt.fi, daniel.reitzner@vtt.fi 
• Primary location – Ģ��ֱ��

Quantum computing is an emerging technology that can potentially impact society in a number of ways. In the realm of quantum computing hardware, we are in the era of noisy intermediate scale quantum (NISQ). Theoretical research in quantum computing has predominantly focused on algorithms and applications tailored for large fault-tolerant quantum computers operating with logical qubits. This creates a gap between current quantum hardware capabilities and the complexity of theoretical problems where quantum algorithms outperform classical ones. Although NISQ computing devices are valuable for scientific exploration, practical applications with tangible value have not yet been identified. The project is dedicated to advancing the fundamental understanding, performance, and scalability of current and near-term quantum computing technologies. Quantum computing, with its potential to revolutionize computational power and address complex problems beyond the reach of classical computing, requires extensive investigation to optimize its functionality and practicality. The general aim is to develop cutting-edge theories and methodologies to enhance the efficiency, error resilience, and computational capabilities of quantum computers. By integrating theoretical insights with a multitude of practical implementations, the project endeavours to propel the field towards more effective and reliable quantum computing solutions, bringing us closer to realizing the full potential of this transformative technology.

• Supervisor – Vagan Terziyan
• Instructors – Vagan Terziyan, Kaikova
• Email – vagan.terziyan@jyu.fi, olena.o.kaikova@jyu.fi
• Primary location – Ģ��ֱ��, Collective Intelligence Group

The doctoral study aspires to revolutionize manufacturing by integrating Quantum Computing with the intricate algorithms of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Drawing inspiration from the principles of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, this initiative aims to imbue ML/AI algorithms with quantum advantages, akin to how Bayesian networks embrace probabilistic reasoning and fuzzy sets theory allows for the superposition of states. Through this exploration, the study seeks to transcend classical computing limitations and pave the way for unprecedented advancements in Industry 4.0, while laying the foundational framework for the imminent era of Industry 5.0.

• Supervisor – Tommi Mikkonen 
• Co-Supervisor – Majid Haghparast 
• Email – tommi.j.mikkonen@jyu.fi; majid.m.haghparast@jyu.fi
• Primary location – University of Jyvaskyla

In recent years, the advancement of quantum computing (QC) technology has underscored the imperative of bolstering cybersecurity measures. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) has emerged as a promising solution, offering unparalleled security based on the principles of quantum mechanics. However, existing QKD networks primarily focus on physical implementations, leaving room for further development in network design and optimization. This project aims to address this gap by proposing novel routing strategies for QKD networks, leveraging novel algorithms to optimize quantum key distribution efficiency and security.

• Supervisor – Joel Mero
• Instructors – Joel Mero, Olli Tyrväinen
• Email – joel.j.mero@jyu.fi
• Primary location – Ģ��ֱ��, School of Business and Economics

The goal of the project is to generate foresight of quantum technology’s (QT) societal and business implications and communicate and support national decision-making in developing an impactful and responsible quantum ecosystem. We will investigate the drivers and obstacles to quantum ecosystem development, explore the implications of QT to different industries, and investigate the extant learnings from QT implementations.

• Supervisor and instructors – Professor Pekka Koskinen, pekka.j.koskinen@jyu.fi; Senior Lecturer Antti Lehtinen, antti.t.lehtinen@jyu.fi
• Primary location of the project – Ģ��ֱ��

Quantum physics is a challenging topic to access because its rules and phenomena differ from those we perceive daily. Given this abstract nature, the teaching of quantum physics needs to rely heavily on equations and formalism, which can be demotivating and inaccessible for many students. This project investigates how to make the theories and  phenomena of quantum physics more accessible for everyone through computational tools. Ultimately, better accessibility to quantum physics and related education would improve the future availability of the quantum workforce.