When Zhong He was unable to find a radiation detector that operated the way he wanted, he decided to build one himself. 

He developed a semiconductor gamma-ray detector with unprecedented energy accuracy and imaging capability combined on the same sensor. The new detector was so effective that it was sent to the International Space Station in early 2025.

For his pioneering room-temperature semiconductor gamma-ray detector technology, the professor of nuclear engineering and radiological sciences in the College of Engineering is being awarded this year’s Distinguished University Innovator of the Year. 

The award is the highest honor for U-M faculty members who have developed transformative ideas, processes or technologies and shepherded them to market for broad societal impact. It was established in 2007 and is supported by endowments from the Office of the Vice President for Research and the Stephen and Rosamund Forrest Family Foundation.

“What Professor He has done is exemplify what it means to be a researcher and innovator,” said Kelly Sexton, associate vice president for research – innovation partnerships and economic impact.

“When he was unable to find what he needed to conduct his work, he created it himself. It just so happens that the radiation detector he created is a significant improvement from anything else on the market and has become a resounding commercial success.”

OVPR selected this year’s recipient based on the recommendation of a faculty selection committee that reviews a pool of nominees. He will receive the award Sept. 24 at the annual Celebrate Invention event.

Innovative idea leads to economic impact

He’s novel radiation detector was more accurate and easier to deploy than existing gamma-ray sensors that were on the market. In addition, his detector enabled operators to see gamma-ray emitting sources in real time. He understood the importance of patenting this world-changing technology and connected with Innovation Partnerships. 

This relationship culminated in the 2011 launch of H3D, which was formed with three of He’s former students, Feng Zhang, Weiyi Wang and Willy Kaye. He and his team chose to headquarter H3D in Ann Arbor, and their commitment to southeast Michigan and the university has resulted in significant economic growth. 

H3D and its sister companies have hired several U-M graduates, with 23 out of H3D’s 40 employees being U-M alumni. In total, H3D’s revenue exceeds $90 million.

“Our product is now used in 75% of nuclear power plants across the country and is being used worldwide,” He said. “Most recently, we sent some of our radiation detectors to the International Space Station. I never could have imagined the wide-ranging use of our detector nor the economic impact of our company. This came to fruition thanks to the support we received from the Innovation Partnerships team in helping us commercialize.”

H3D’s radiation detector has a multitude of uses. In addition to its original function of identifying and detecting radiation, the company is exploring several future applications including emergency response, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives management, defense, homeland security, international nuclear non-proliferation, medical imaging and more.

He’s work is also expanding into the medical space. Two more startups based in Ann Arbor have stemmed from H3D to support medical professionals — M3D and MH3D. M3D offers a variety of gamma cameras powered by H3D’s sensor technology for use in healthcare facilities by surgeons, physicians, physicists and environmental safety personnel. MH3D focuses on larger imaging scanners, such as traditional SPECT imaging.

“H3D is the poster child for everything Innovation Partnerships values,” said Richard Greeley, associate director of licensing, engineering. “They’re creating a great product that addresses the market’s needs and are a stable company that not only creates jobs but provides opportunities for students. A true triple threat.”

U-M and He have a financial interest in H3D, M3D and MH3D.