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 SuperC2033 project, with the grand idea of reaching room-temperature superconductivity by 2033. We are also part of the Simons collaboration on new frontiers in superconductivity.
  • 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 Jogate EU project 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 Finnish Quantum Flagship.

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.

See arXiv for our recent manuscripts

Publications

Publication
2024

Pairing at a single Van Hove point

npj Quantum Materials.
Ojajärvi, Risto
Chubukov, Andrey V.
Lee, Yueh-Chen
Garst, Markus
Schmalian, Jörg
Publication
2024

Superconducting spintronic heat engine

Nature Communications.
Levartoski de Araujo, Clodoaldo Irineu
Virtanen, Pauli
Spies, Maria
González-Orellana, Carmen
Kerschbaumer, Samuel
Ilyn, Maxim
Rogero, Celia
Heikkilä, Tero Tapio
Giazotto, Francesco
Strambini, Elia

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

Alberto Hijano Mendizabal

Postdoctoral Researcher
Risto Ojajärvi

Risto Ojajärvi

Postdoctoral Researcher

Oladunjoye Awoga

Postdoctoral Researcher
Tim Kokkeler

Tim Kokkeler

Postdoctoral Researcher

Maryam Darvishi

Doctoral Researcher

Natale Matranga

Doctoral Researcher