Condensed matter theory group

We study the quantum and classical phenomena in small electronic systems, with a focus on superconductivity, magnetism, topological media and open quantum systems. Our approach is based on phenomenological low-energy theory of quantum systems. In each project we work in close collaboration with world-leading experimental groups.
Nodal lines in graphite

Table of contents

Research group type
Research group
Core fields of research
Basic natural phenomena and mathematical thinking
Research areas
Nanoscience Center
Materials physics
Second quantum revolution
Faculty
Faculty of Mathematics and Science
Department
Department of Physics

Research group description

Present research topics

  • Flat-band superconductivity and magnetism. We study interacting phases in systems with exotic electronic dispersion. We participate in the , with the grand idea of reaching room-temperature superconductivity by 2033. We are also part of the .
  • Dynamic properties of quantum materials. Special focus is on 2D materials with strong spin-orbit interaction, superconductors, magnets, and especially collective modes in them. 
  • Semiconductor-based Josephson quantum electronics. Special focus is on Josephson diode effects and general non-reciprocal transport, along with gateable Josephson junctions. We participate in the that is part of the EU Chips JU.
  • Open quantum systems. Now special focus is on hybrid driven systems and on feedback effects. We are members of the .

Other recent research topics

  • Electronic properties of graphite and their relation to topological media. In particular, we seek models to explain high-temperature interface superconductivity observed in graphite. We are also extending such studies to generic artificial topological structures.
  • Nonequilibrium and thermoelectric effects in superconductor-ferromagnetic hybrid structures. Recent studies include characterisation of nonequilibrium modes in this type of systems, and the possible use of such systems as efficient radiation detectors. The latter was done especially in the FET Open SUPERTED project.
  • Magnetization dynamics especially in superconductor/ferromagnet heterostructures. The key problems are the studies of spin torque and its reciprocal effect, spin pumping.
  • Open quantum systems in various disguises. We have especially studied quantum optomechanics and, in particular, their microwave realisations. At present, we study a magnetic variation of optomechanics, so-called magnomechanics, as well as measurements of strong coupling between light and molecules which is often termed molecular polaritonics.

Publications

Publication
2018

Journal of Low Temperature Physics
Hyart, Timo
Ojajärvi, Risto
Heikkilä, Tero
Publication
2017

ACS Photonics
Baieva, Svitlana
Hakamaa, Ossi
Groenhof, Gerrit
Heikkilä, Tero
Toppari, Jussi
Publication
2017

Physical Review Letters
Ockeloen-Korppi, C. F.
Damskägg, E.
Pirkkalainen, J-M.
Heikkilä, Tero
Massel, Francesco
Sillanpää, Mika
Publication
2017

Physical Review Letters
Virtanen, Pauli
Heikkilä, Tero
Publication
2017

Quantum Science and Technology
Ockeloen-Korppi, C. F.
Heikkilä, Tero
Sillanpää, M. A.
Massel, Francesco
Publication
2017

Tiedeblogi
Heikkilä, Tero
Publication
2016

Physical Review B
Kauppila, Ville J.
Hyart, Timo
Heikkilä, Tero
Publication
2016

Basic Physics of Functionalized Graphite
Heikkilä, Tero
Volovik, Grigory E.
Publication
2016

Physical Review B
Kauppila, V. J.
Aikebaier, Faluke
Heikkilä, Tero
Publication
2016

Physical Review B
Arjoranta, Juho
Heikkilä, Tero
Publication
2016

Physical Review X
Ockeloen-Korppi, C. F.
Damskägg, E.
Pirkkalainen, J.-M.
Heikkilä, Tero
Massel, Francesco
Sillanpää, M. A.
Publication
2016

Physical Review B
Hyart, Timo
Heikkilä, Tero

Research group

Group leaders

Tero Heikkilä

Tero Heikkilä

Professor

Members

Pauli Virtanen

Senior Researcher
Stefan Ilic

Stefan Ilic

Academy Research Fellow
Daniel Crawford

Daniel Crawford

Postdoctoral Researcher

Aaron Dunbrack

Postdoctoral Researcher

Alberto Hijano Mendizabal

Postdoctoral Researcher

Risto Ojajärvi

Postdoctoral Researcher

Oladunjoye Awoga

Postdoctoral Researcher

Maryam Darvishi

Doctoral Researcher

Natale Matranga

Doctoral Researcher