Second quantum revolution

The mission is to exploit the quantum properties of matter such as superposition, and entanglement to develop new functional tools and devices. Well-established fields include for example quantum properties of the nanoscale electrical and optical systems, and utilization of these phenomena in sensors and other devices.

Nanoscale brings up the quantum properties

The second quantum revolution is defined by developments in technologies like quantum computing and quantum sensing, brought on by a deeper understanding of the quantum world and precision control down to the level of nanometers or even individual particles.

The recent development in nanofabrication and nanoscopy as well as the improved measurement techniques with higher sensitivity have enabled the observations and manipulation of the quantum states that have not been possible earlier, at the times of the first quantum revolution. This has induced a leap in the progress of real quantum devices like quantum computers, which can nowadays already bypass the classic computers by utilizing advanced quantum algorithms or simulate nanoscopic structure of material in more realistic way. The quantum technology can also bring the sensing or light harvesting to a fully new level.

More information on the research can be found on the research groups' own websites.

Quantum technologies will be one of the defining technologies of our future. Quantum mechanical phenomena enables creating new kinds of sensors, communication methods and computers. A quantum computer will be a major shift in the computing capabilities of humankind, and we can dream of, e.g., full simulations of biological phenomena. The groups in this area focus on studying the quantum mechanical phenomena that can be used to realise these devices with e.g. silicon or superconducting materials. The research area covers both experimental and theoretical groups.

The Following groups are involved:

Tero Heikkilä: Condensed matter theory
Juha Muhonen: Hybrid quantum technologies in silicon
Markus Ahlskog: Molecular technology
Robert van Leeuwen: Quantum computing for non-equilibrium many-body systems
Ilari Maasilta: Thermal nanophysics and superconducting devices
Kezilebieke Shawulienu: Synthetic quantum materials
Riku Tuovinen: Non-equilibrium quantum materials

This research aims to utilize, e.g., quantum mechanical or electromagnetic properties of matter at the nanoscale to design and fabricate novel materials with desired properties. Computational nanoscience serves as a key tool in this endeavour, providing insights into the properties of nanosystems. In parallel, accelerator-based techniques offer a powerful means for the analysis and fabrication of materials. The exploration of molecular electronics and plasmonics opens up new avenues, while the modelling of low-dimensional nanomaterials adds another dimension to this research. Innovation is seen in the development of new methods for molecule synthesis, and a deeper understanding is being gained through the investigation of the chemistry of main group elements. The study of nanocarbon structures and the probing of complex materials’ properties further enrich this research landscape. These collective efforts are expanding the horizons of designer matter, with the potential for applications in fields from electronics and energy storage to medicine and environmental science.

The following groups are involved:

Hannu Häkkinen: Computational nanoscience
Timo Sajavaara: Accelerator based materials research
Jussi Toppari: Molecular electronics and plasmonics
Pekka Koskinen: Low-dimensional nanomaterials modeling
Petri Pihko: Making Molecules
Heikki Tuononen, Jani Moilanen, Aaron Mailman: Main group chemistry
Andreas Johansson: Nanocarbon laboratory
Arttu Miettinen: Complex materials

Superconductivity is utilized in various device designs within this area of research. Of particular interest are bolometric radiation detectors focusing on single quantum X-ray detection, using transition edge sensors (TES) and superconductor-ferromagnet thermoelectric junctions. As well as the use of novel materials and techniques in the context of superconducting tunnel junction device physics and its applications for quantum technology.

The following groups are involved:

Ilari Maasilta: Thermal nanophysics and superconducting devices

This area of research involves for examples spectroscopic studies of structure, dynamics and manipulation of quantum states of molecules or atoms; coupling light with mechanical or electrical degrees of freedom in material within fields such as optomechanics and polaritonics (hybrid light-matter states). Research utilizes wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum, from far-IR all the way to UV.

The following groups are involved: