Browse a selection of the highlights of the research conducted at our department!
Our departmental colloquium series is intended to cut across subfields, with interesting and thought-provoking talks about physics. Read more from our colloquium website.
Our research in the fields of Matter, Space and Universe excels in experimental and theoretical particle physics, theoretical and observational cosmology, astrophysics, solar system physics and space physics. The research cooperation with the theoretical and particle physics programmes of the Helsinki Institute of Physics (HIP) is particularly comprehensive.
Our group uses computational methods to study open questions in high energy physics and the very early universe. One particular focus is the use of gravitational waves to probe the physics of primordial phase transitions. We are involved in the future LISA space-based gravitational wave mission.
We apply the machinery of perturbative thermal field theory and holography to the study of elementary particle matter in its most extreme limits. Among other topics, our interest lies in the first-principles description of the interiors and surroundings of neutron stars, phase transitions in the early Universe, and the role of entanglement in gauge theories.
The observational cosmology group participates in the European Space Agency’s Euclid mission to solve the mystery of dark energy.
We explore fundamental questions in particle physics and cosmology. We study the nature of dark matter, the dynamics of the early universe, and how phase transitions shape cosmic history. Using theoretical first principles studies in quantum field theory, model building and effective field theory approaches, we aim to uncover routes from microscopic physics to the largest scales of the cosmos.
Planetary sciences comprises theoretical, computational, experimental, and observational research of Solar System objects, such as asteroids, comets, planets, and planetary satellites and atmospheres. The research has close connections to geophysics, geology, space physics, as well as meteorology. The analyses carried out at University of Helsinki provide information about the target objects’ dynamical evolution and physical properties such as composition. The research results have direct applications to planetary defence and to in-space resource utilisation.
The plasma astrophysics research group investigates the extreme physics of cosmic plasmas surrounding neutron stars and black holes. We employ both theoretical and computational approaches to explore the various high-energy astrophysical phenomena around universe’s most extreme objects.
The main research topics include: Accretion flows around black holes and neutron stars; Fast radio bursts and their plasma dynamics; Radiative plasma physics of neutron-star magnetospheres; Plasma turbulence; Collisionless shocks; Quantum electrodynamic processes in magnetized plasmas; Numerics of particle-in-cell and other plasma simulation methods.
Space Plasma Physics research group studies solar-terrestrial physics and space weather phenomenon using a wide range of approaches. We develop world leading coronal, heliospheric, and magnetospheric simulations and utilize observations from several ESA and NASA spacecraft, as well as ground-based observatories. We study
The Stellar Astrophysics research group focuses on observations of stellar magnetic activity and its relation to exoplanets. The goal is to use these observations for a better general understanding of the magnetic activity of solar type stars, and particularly the Sun's activity. We also investigate the influence of a star's activity on the detectability and space climate of exoplanets. We mainly use optical ground- and satellite-based observations. Our methods include state-of-the art numerical methods based on inversion and MCMC techniques.
The research of the Theoretical Extragalactic group focuses on understanding how galaxies have formed and evolved into the galaxy population that we observe in the present-day Universe. Additionally, we study the formation and evolution of supermassive black holes and stellar clusters. We primarily employ theoretical and computational methods, such as umerical N-Body and smoothed-particle hydrodynamical simulations, but also collaborate extensively with observational research groups.
Our research concerning new technologies and innovations pioneer new technologies and materials to drive innovation for a resilient and sustainable future. By connecting science with education and society including healthcare and industry, our researchers foster public engagement and empower the next generation to push the boundaries of knowledge.
Didactic physics is a research that focuses on analysing the learning and teaching of physics considering the characteristics of physics knowledge itself. A major challenge is that physics knowledge is complex, structurally organized and uses advanced mathematical representations and models. Yet the individual learner starts from their personal conceptions and own understanding of target knowledge. To keep the learner motivated, personal conceptions should serve as a basis of learning, but the target is scientific knowledge.
The research approach of didactic physics is multidisciplinary. It is on one hand anchored in in-depth understanding of physics and its methods, informed by history and philosophy of science. Here, didactic physics borders on Physics Education Research. On the other hand, didactic physics explores learning of complex scientific knowledge by combining cognitive science, learning psychology and socio-cognitive aspects of learning.
The Electronics Research Laboratory specializes in applied physics research of sound & light. The main emphasis is to develop methods suitable for the needs of the R&D and industry. To support these goals, our research work concentrates on several applied physics disciplines, the main areas being ultrasonics, photoacoustics, and optical interferometry imaging.
We focus on a wide spectrum of topics in quantum science, ranging from open quantum systems and thermodynamics, to quantum gravity, quantum computation and algorithms. Although we like to keep boundaries fluid and avoid delimiting research areas in our group, we may identify four main research lines: Open quantum systems and thermodynamics, Quantum measurements and gravity, Quantum algorithms and quantum simulation, and Education and outreach in quantum science and technology.
Materials physics studies all types of materials from hard metals to organic materials. We conduct research in close cooperation with major international scientific projects, such as ITER, CERN and ESRF, as well as with university hospitals and private enterprises.
The Helsinki Accelerator Laboratory specializes in experimental and computational materials physics. The investigated materials are important for power electronics, micro- and optoelectronics, energy, hydrogen economy, fusion technology, particle detectors and particle accelerator technologies. Materials are synthesized via physical vapor deposition as well as modified using ion beams across a broad energy range. Properties are studied by applying – both in situ and ex situ -- various ion-beam-based characterization techniques, positron annihilation spectrometry, and surface analytical methods. Materials modeling employs advanced computational techniques, with a focus on developing and applying machine learning-based multiscale methods.
The Physics of Biological and Soft Matter focuses on the theory and simulation of biologically relevant soft matter, integrated with experimental research. The aim is to utilize computational research to promote health. The activities are part of a Center of Excellence awarded by the Research Council of Finland.
The X-ray Laboratory specialises in the study of materials with the help of X-rays, synchrotron light and x-ray free-electron lasers. The laboratory’s versatile equipment enables extremely precise imaging and analysis of materials structure on multiple length scales in a non-destructive manner, from the atomic and nanoscale to macroscopic large objects with micrometer resolution. We use and develop various sophisticated x-ray scattering, imaging, and spectroscopy tools.