Ģ��ֱ��

Quantum technology sounds like something very hard to understand, but it is a field that will change current technology and have an important role in various fields. Benefits are expected in health care and medical industries as well as in optimization problems and logistics, and everything in between. New JYU professor of physics Juha Muhonen aims at facilitating the development of quantum technology while also studying basic natural phenomena.

“I want to understand how nature works,” he says. “My research on quantum sensors and quantum computer components also supports basic research into quantum mechanics. I am some kind of an explorer, I guess, as I hope to find something new and, when I find it, the feeling carries me onward.”

Silicon-based quantum technologies

Juha Muhonen’s experimental research team investigates how quantum sensors and quantum computer components could be produced using silicon. Silicon is not a new material, since phone and computer components have long been made of silicon.

“Silicon can be produced in a very pure form,” Muhonen explains, “and hence there are no impurities to interfere with the sensitive quantum components. Moreover, silicon is already basic material in current electronics, which means that quantum components could make use of already existing technology and the components could be easily integrated to current electronics.

“Although the functioning of individual quantum components in silicon has been proven,”, he continues, “we still need to find workable solutions for integrating them into a complex circuits. Thus, I seek to find a solution for the linkage of quantum components.”

Quantum computers as the biggest technological promise

Muhonen’s interest is related to quantum computers that have the potential to revolutionise the world. We do not yet know specifically what all these supercomputers can do, but they hold big promise for the future.

“In particular, quantum computers can increase the computing power of the humankind to a whole new level in the future, and thus conceivably enable exact modelling of, for example, biological processes,” Muhonen explains.

An internationally recognised physicist

Muhonen comes originally from Kirkkonummi, next to the Helsinki metropolitan area. He completed his doctoral degree at Aalto University in 2012, under the supervision of Professor Jukka Pekola. His research field was still then something totally different, but by chance he ended up, right after completing his doctoral degree, in Australia at the University of New South Wales for three years to study silicon quantum systems.

“I was in the right place in the right time, as Australia was a place of impressive and international research on silicon quantum systems,” Muhonen says. “At the time of my stay there, we were making breakthroughs and I became more interested in this field.”

After the years in Australia, Muhonen spent the years 2015 to 2018 in the Netherlands (AMOLF Nanophotonics center), continuing his research on silicon quantum systems from a different angle. Since August 2018, he has worked as an associate professor at the Department of Physics. He plays an important role both at the Department of Physics and in the Nanoscience Center. The European Research Council (ERC) granted him in 2019 the highly appreciated Starting Grant funding for the development of components needed in quantum computers. In 2019, he was also awarded Academy Researcher funding by the Academy of Finland. Muhonen has chaired the faculty’s Student Recruitment Committee since 2020, coordinated Researchers’ Night for the Nanoscience Center from 2019 to 2021, and he is also a member of the department’s working group for well-being at work. This year, he is in charge of organising the Nanoscience Days.

Jyväskylä offers good possibilities for advancement

Muhonen chose the Ģ��ֱ�� because JYU has long traditions in nanoscience. The significant infrastructure of the Nanoscience Center, especially the cleanroom facility, enables the research into quantum systems. There are only a handful of places available for this level for working.

“The infrastructure of the Nanoscience Center is of top level, and the cross-disciplinary approach is unique,” he says. “This place is unique in Finland, and there are only a few in the whole world. In Jyväskylä, the University has understood the significance of nano- and quantum sciences and invested therefore in the infrastructure, and hopefully will do so in the future as well. The Nanoscience Center is a fine cross-disciplinary environment providing easy interaction with other well-motivated top researchers, all pursuing their respective unique research driven by their own interest. This creates a specific work environment.”

Encouraging to science and physics

Muhonen loves research. The finest moments for him are when he gets a new research idea or when a problem gets solved.

“It is great to decide yourself what can be studied and to implement your own vision,” he says. “Of course, it is nice to get new results at work, both in experimental and theoretical terms. It is also fun to play with expensive toys, or, should I say, research devices.”

Muhonen had little teaching experience when he came to Jyväskylä. He finds teaching important for the continuity of science, however. He also finds it meaningful. Like in research, in teaching it is important to consider how issues should be approached and which aspects are important. The most important thing in his opinion, however, is to encourage new researchers to enter science.

“Investing in education is important, so that we can avoid having a shortage of scientists,” says Muhonen with a laugh.

Free time with family

Muhonen has no problems in spending his free time. At the beginning of summer, he and his spouse bought a house in Jyväskylä, and he is also the father of a month-old baby. In his free time, Muhonen listens to audiobooks and podcasts on science, technology and artificial intelligence.

“Life has changed a lot with the baby. I instantly forget all work matters when I have a baby in my arms,” Muhonen smiles.

Further information:

• Professor Juha Muhonen, juha.t.muhonen@jyu.fi, +358 40 190 5352
• Silicon-based Quantum Technologies – research team’s website: /science/en/physics/research/materials-physics/quantum-technologies