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.

Silvija Gradecak
Merton C. Flemings Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering

Education

2003: PhD in Physics
Interdisciplinary Center of Electron Microscopy, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Lausanne, Switzerland)
Thesis: "Structural and optical properties of laterally overgrown gallium nitride studied by electron microscopy"

1999: Diploma in Physics
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb (Zagreb, Croatia)
Diploma thesis: "Thermal and structural properties of hard carbons"

Research Experience

2004-2006: Postdoctoral Fellow
Professor Charles M. Lieber group, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University (Cambridge, Massachusetts)

2004: Research Associate
Institute of Quantum Electronics and Photonics, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Lausanne, Switzerland), Professor Marc Ilegems

1999-2003: Graduate Student
Interdisciplinary Center of Electron Microscopy, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Lausanne, Switzerland), Professor Pierre Stadelmann

1999: Undergraduate Student
Laboratory for Thermal Conductivity Investigation, Institute of Physics (Zagreb, Croatia), Dr. Ana Smontara

1998-1999: Research Assistant
Laboratory for Structural Investigation, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb (Zagreb, Croatia), Professor Antun Tonejc

Awards and Achievements

2004: Swiss National Science Foundation Fellowship for Prospective Researchers

2003: Diploma in Entrepreneurship Course at the CREATE Branco Weiss Chairs of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Lausanne, Switzerland)

2002: Organization of the scientific expedition Electrophonic Fireball Project, Terra Alta region, Spain

2001: Scholarship of Swiss Society for Optics and Microscopy

1998: Organization of the scientific project International Leonid Watch  Croatia, Ulan Bator, Mongolia

1996: Dean's Prize for the Best Student Project at University of Zagreb in 1995/96 Academic Year (Zagreb, Croatia)

1996: Scholarship of the City Council of Zagreb (Zagreb, Croatia)

Research

Nanotechnology, a scientific and technological discipline that takes advantage of new properties on the nanoscale, offers great promises for future applications. It explores unique properties of materials when their dimensions are comparable to the relevant correlation lengths, and requires innovative synthesis and fabrication methods.

We use rational synthesis of free-standing nanoscale objects like nanowires, nanocrystals, and nanotubes and combine spectroscopic techniques, transport measurements and advanced electron microscopy techniques to directly correlate structural and physical properties on the nanometer scale. Our interdisciplinary approach combines the following sub-programs:

• Growth of semiconductor nanowires and nanowire heterostructures with new structural, optical, magnetic, and electric properties.
• Nanowire-based semiconductor quantum optics and novel nanophotonic applications.
• Development of new experimental tools for synthesis and nanoscale characterization of nanostructured materials.  

Experimental techniques and methodologies that are being developed as a part of our research endeavor are generally applicable to any material system where interplay between nanostructure, properties, and performance becomes significant.