Silvija Gradečak

Merton C. Flemings Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering

Diploma in Physics, University of Zagreb (Zagreb, Croatia), 1999
PhD in Physics, Interdisciplinary Center of Electron Microscopy, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Lausanne, Switzerland), 2003

13-5094, 77 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, MA  02139
617-253-9896
gradecak@mit.edu
Research Group website

Prof. Gradečak's research focuses on nano-photonics and electronics and is based on the synthesis, characterization and integration of low-dimensional systems. By taking the advantage of unique material properties on a nanoscale, she explores novel optoelectronic applications such as nanoscale light-emitting sources, single photon sources, or nanowire lasers.

Understanding the properties of such nanosystems requires multidisciplinary approach and new instrumental tools. Prof. Gradečak uses rational synthesis of free-standing nanoscale objects like nanocrystals, nanotubes, and nanowires and combine spectroscopic techniques, transport measurements and advanced electron microscopy techniques to directly correlate structural and physical properties on the nanometer scale. Experimental techniques and methodologies that are being developed as a part of her research endeavor are generally applicable to any material system where interplay between nanostructure, properties, and performance becomes significant.

Selected Publications

1. "Dopant-Free GaN/AlN/AlGaN Radial Nanowire Heterostructures as High Electron Mobility Transistors," Nano. Lett., ASAP, 2006 (with others).
2. "GaN nanowire lasers with low lasing thresholds," Appl. Phys. Lett., 87, 173111, 2005 (with others).
   Featured in Virtual Journal of Nanoscale Science & Technology
3. "Core/multishell nanowire heterostructures as multicolor, high-efficiency light-emitting diodes," Nano. Lett., 5, 2287–2291, 2005 (with others).
4. "General synthesis of manganese-doped II-VI and III-V semiconductor nanowires," Nano Lett. 5, 1407–1411, 2005 (with others).
5. "Elastic modulus of multi-walled carbon nanotubes produced by catalytic chemical vapour deposition," Appl. Phys. A 80, 695–700, 2005 (with others).
6. "Instrumental recording of electrophonic sounds from Leonid fireballs," J. Geoph. Res. 107, 1124 (2002) (with others).
   Featured in Nature Science Update, Natural History Magazine, New Scientist, BBC online, etc.

Prof. Gradečak is the focus of a Research Spotlight on the Materials@MIT site. Aug. 2007.