Computational Condensed-matter and Complex Materials Research Unit (COMP)

Helsinki University of Technology

Director: Academy Professor Risto Nieminen      
tel. +358 9 451 3105
(Secretary + 358 9 451 3101) 
fax  +358 9 451 5067 
Mobile +358 50 3500 900
rniemine(at)csc.fi

Working in the field of computational and theoretical condensed-matter and materials physics, COMP focuses in its research on the physical and chemical properties of materials and related phenomena, using extensive mathematical modelling and large-scale computer simulation. The main topics of interest are the electrical, optical and mechanical properties of different types of materials. Other major research themes include multi-scale modelling, spanning length and time scales from microscopic (atomic) properties to mesoscopic and macroscopic phenomena. Another important line of research is represented by the unusual properties of large complex and non-linear systems, which are tackled by both theoretical methods and computer simulation.

Examples of recent research problems include novel semiconductor materials and devices, quantum dots and wires, magnetic materials, polymers and fibrous structures, materials processing and surface reactions.

The Unit's research areas are:
- Electronic properties of materials (Professor Martti Puska)
- Statistical physics and complex phenomena (Professor Tapio Ala-Nissilä)
- Disordered systems (Docent Mikko Alava)

The Unit hosts three professors, three docents, nine post-doctoral researchers, 21 post-graduate students and 14 M.Sc. students (in total 50 persons).

Centre of Excellence pages