About - Radiation Detection Technologies, Inc.

About RDT

Radiation Detection Technologies, Inc. (RDT) was founded in 2011 out of the Kansas State University SMART Lab located in Manhattan, Kansas. Our company focuses on manufacturing quality radiation detectors and detector readout-electronic technologies for use in multiple industries including healthcare, defense and energy.

RDT began its enterprise by focusing on the neutron detection industry. Given the exhaustion of ³He – a major component of traditional radiation detection – RDT has started commercializing micro-structured semiconductor neutron detectors (MSNDs) in order to replace traditional ³He-based radiation detection technologies. As we look forward, RDT will add new products that fit the replacement of traditional radiation-detection technologies as the ³He shortage continues to rise.

Due to the clarity of vision and passion of commitment that our founders and staff bring to the field of radiation detection, we believe RDT will be able to help solve radiation detection problems and improve traditional technologies in the radiation detection industry. In fact, our micro-structured neutron detector technology has resulted in over 33 publications, four allowed patents, and an R&D 100 award for 2009 and 2014!

The Team

Dr. Steven Bellinger

PhD, CEO

Dr. Bellinger’s expertise in radiation detection comes from over 15 years of experience in the fields of semiconductor device theory and fabrication and radiation detector design, fabrication, and measurement. He manages graduate students in the design, fabrication, and characterization of radiation detectors and systems at Kansas State University (KSU) as an associate research faculty at the Semiconductor Materials and Radiological Technologies (SMART) Laboratory at KSU on many projects. He started and runs Radiation Detection Technologies, Inc. (RDT) as the CEO to commercialize novel radiation detectors developed at the SMART Laboratory.
He is skilled at fabricating detectors from numerous types of semiconductors for specific radiation detection applications, such as, CdZnTe, HgI₂, Si, and SiC, each with their own unique capabilities and properties for radiation detection. Steve holds the record for the highest thermal-neutron detection efficiency for a solid-state semiconductor neutron detector and has introduced novel manufacturing concepts for microstructured semiconductor neutron detectors (MSNDs). He has authored or co-authored over 50 publications on radiation detectors and has 5 US patents on detector designs with several radiation detector patents pending.

Grace Darling

CPA, Controller

Grace joined the RDT team in November 2014 with over 7 years of public accounting experience. She graduated with a Master’s in Accounting from the University of Central Missouri in 2007 and earned her CPA license in 2008. Grace was intrigued by RDT the potential growth and opportunity it had to offer and decided to take the leap into private accounting. She is the Controller and focuses on all accounting functions, financial analysis, budgeting, government contracting, and human resource management for the company. Grace enjoys spending time with family and friends, and her dog Bentley. She loves working out, dancing, watching horror movies, and long naps.

Dr. Benjamin Montag

PhD, Nuclear Engineer

Dr. Montag has been in the field of radiation detection materials, device design, fabrication, and radiation measurements since 2005. He began working with boron materials for neutron detection at the University of Nebraska and later graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a B.S. in Chemistry in 2008 and received his PhD in Nuclear Engineering from the Kansas State University in 2015.
As a member of the KSU Semiconductor Materials and Radiological Technologies (SMART) Laboratory he synthesized and grew crystalline ingots of the I-II-V family of materials for neutron detectors. He fabricated the first LiZnAs and LiZnP devices that measured thermal neutron induced signals. In addition, Montag has grown crystalline ingots, characterized, and fabricated devices of numerous radiation detector materials including NaI, CeBr3, LaBr3, and CZT. During his time in the SMART Laboratory, he has mentored over a dozen undergraduate researchers in the laboratory, has co-authored and authored over 25 publications on radiation detectors and radiation detection materials.

Dr. Taylor Ochs

PhD, Nuclear Engineer

Taylor Ochs is nuclear engineer at RDT. Taylor’s expertise is in radiation detection, radiation transport modeling, and detector design and fabrication. Taylor joined the Semiconductor Materials and Radiological Technologies (S.M.A.R.T.) Laboratory in 2012 as an undergraduate research assistant working under Steve Bellinger (President/CEO RDT) and Ryan Fronk (Research Scientist INL) to assist with the development of Microstructured Semiconductor Neutron Detectors (MSNDs) presently one of RDT’s flagship products used in the Domino® detector. Taylor earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering from KSU in 2015 and subsequently signed on as a graduate student in the S.M.A.R.T. Laboratory. During his graduate career, Taylor led research on the Dual-Sided MSND, which currently holds the record for the highest thermal-neutron detection efficiency for a semiconductor neutron detector.
Taylor took part in the development of hand-held and wearable detectors utilizing MSND and DS-MSND technologies which have won R&D 100 and DOE Innovations in Nuclear R&D Awards. He also has experience fabricating SiC-based neutron detectors for high-temperature operating environments and Micro-Pocket Fission Detectors (MPFDs) for in-core neutron flux measurements. Taylor earned his Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from Kansas State University in May 2020. During his free time, Taylor works on perfecting his homebrew beer recipes proudly served at his in-home pub, keeping his old jeep running, and slowly improving his golf game.

Luke Henson

Mechanical & Nuclear Engineer

Luke Henson, upon graduating from the Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC), joined the Phillips Lighting Company where he worked for 2 years as a maintenance and service technician. He started at Kansas State University in August of 2008. In 2009 he entered the college of Engineering and began working towards a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering. During his time at MATC he was required to become NATEF certified for all 8 levels of automotive repair. During his time at KSU, as an engineering undergraduate, he conducted research at the KSU Semiconductor Materials and Radiological Technologies (SMART) Laboratory. As an undergraduate research assistant, Mr. Henson participated in research to investigate and develop semiconductor neutron-detector manufacturing and characterization.

Logan Whitmore

Electrical Engineer

Logan Whitmore is RDT’s Head Electrical Engineer and Chief of Security. He was first introduced to RDT while working as an intern at the KSU Electronics Design Lab. Which provides researchers with access to advanced electronics and assists with integrating electronics technology into research programs. Logan’s exemplary work as an intern earned him the responsibility of designing electronic systems, including electronics used by both RDT and CERN. His involvement on an award winning project caught RDT’s attention, and they hired him immediately after his graduation. As an undergrad at Kansas State University, Logan was in several extracurricular clubs and held leadership positions in two of them. He was the Safety Officer for the Electronics Design Club and the President of the KSU Makerspace. Logan’s love for science fiction fueled his inventive nature.
One of his personal projects was a replica of a Pipboy 3000 from the popular videogame series Fallout. This wrist-mounted computer not only included visual replicas of in-game screens, but also functioned as an oscilloscope and FM radio. Another personal project was a homemade universal TV remote made to resemble a Sonic Screwdriver from Dr. Who, a hit British TV show. Logan also worked collaboratively with students of varying fields. This included the development of an XY plotter attached to an EEG (brain wave tracker). This was for use by an artist in their work on developing different mediums for creating art. Outside of work, Logan enjoys video games, motorcycles, and traveling to conventions. He meets with different groups for D&D, and even acts as RDT’s DM.

Mike Devoe

Computer Engineer

Mike Devoe is a Computer Engineer at RDT. Excited by the prospect of a wide range of ideas, projects, and applications, he joined the team in January of 2020. Mike is a 2019 graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering and a minor in Computer Information Sciences. During his time at K-State, he was an active member in multiple organizations like the university’s competitive unmanned aerial systems design team working on the autopilot system, and the electronics design club making many personal projects and advising younger students on their own.

Cody Rietcheck

Mechanical & Materials Engineer

Cody Rietcheck is a mechanical and materials engineer at RDT. While pursuing his BA in mechanical engineering at Kansas State University, he spent almost two years working at the Semiconductor Materials and Radiological Technologies (S.M.A.R.T.) Laboratory. He was first introduced to radiation detection and detector production during this time at the S.M.A.R.T. lab. Upon graduating from KSU, he worked at B&W Trailer Hitches as a mechanical engineer for six years. There he specialized in 3D modeling and finite element analysis along with conducting lab and field testing of a wide range of products. Cody joined the RDT team in May of 2021. He continues to expand his mechanical engineering experience and knowledge while taking on new challenges to grow RDT’s product offering and capabilities. Cody’s free time is comprised of family, wrenching on cars and jet skis, hunting, fishing, and looking for his ball on the golf course.

Bryan Willis

Production Technician

Bryan started with RDT back in the fall of 2017 as a part time employee looking for experience. He quickly became enthralled with the job and in 2020 he became a full time member of the RDT team. He has worked on many projects that include things such as wafer processing and the production, characterization, and fabrication of CdZnTe, CdTe, and other semiconductor materials for radiological detection. However, his primary focus is directed towards manufacturing Lithium Foil Multi-Wire Proportional Counter (Li-Foil MWPC) and the Cosmic Soil Moisture Monitoring Systems (SMM). Bryan currently holds a CSWA-Mechanical Design Certification from Dassault Systèmes SE and is working towards finishing a Bachelors in Nuclear Chemistry. His spends his free time painting, hunting, fishing, and most importantly, collecting exotic insects from around the world.

Neal Strathman

Semiconductor Technician

Neal started his career as a Semiconductor Technician with Radiation Detection Technologies (RDT) in January of 2018 and continues to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserves where he works at SRF JRMC Yokosuka Japan. Neal’s prior work experience includes 10 years active duty in the U.S. Navy where he trained as a Nuclear Machinist Mate and served his sea tour onboard the USS Alabama SSBN 731 Gold crew where he completed 7 strategic deterrent patrols, 2 surge underways, 2 mini-dasos, and 1 emergency sortie in response to terrorist actions. His following shore tour was as a recruiter in Manhattan Ks.
He then transitioned to the Navy Reserves and started at Kansas State University. There he worked at the TRIGA Mk II reactor as a Reactor Operator and Senior Reactor Operator. It was here that he first met the wonderful team of RDT. Neal’s manufacturing experience came from his position as a Senior Mechanic at BD Medical, prior to joining the RDT team. Neal’s personal time is full of family, yard work, and smoking meat at his home in Manhattan, Kansas.

Bret Whitmore

Semiconductor Technician

Bret joined RDT part-time in 2019 as a Production Technician, where she has worked under Luke Henson. In August 2023, she joined the team full-time as a Semiconductor Technician. She started her journey with RDT by working in MSND production, but has since gained skills to assist with various projects, and the ability to lead other technicians. Originally receiving an Associates in Veterinary Technology in 2013, and working as a Veterinary Technician prior to her current role, Bret has a love for animals, especially her four cats. In her free time, you’ll find her crocheting, gardening, and playing video games.

Kylie Wilkerson

Semiconductor Engineer

Kylie Wilkerson began working for RDT as an intern in May 2021. She graduated from K-State with a bachelor of science in Biomedical Engineering in December 2022. After graduation she worked as an engineer in the medical devices field before returning to RDT full time as a Semiconductor Engineer in January 2024. Kylie is looking forward to advancing her career through the production and R&D field with RDT. Kylie is most excited about building upon her knowledge of semiconductors used in medical applications. In her spare time, Kylie enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her cats. She likes to bake, read, watch movies, window shop, drink iced coffe, and coach gymastics.

Echo Larson

Semiconductor Technician

Echo started at RDT in December of 2020 as a part-time employee working on MSND assembly. As his time with RDT grew, he began to assist with other processes in neutron detector assembly and soil-moisture sensors. Then, in September of 2024, he accepted a full-time position as a Semiconductor Technician focused on CZT production.
Originally working in vet clinics and pet salons after completing an Associates in Zoo Science, Echo decided to pursue his interests in environmental science – enrolling in Fort Hays State University’s online program for Environmental Geoscience. He is currently working on his degree part-time while fulfilling his duties at RDT. In Echo’s free time, he enjoys walking along rivers looking for rocks, shells, and fossils; playing video games; and going to the gym.

Jacob Clanton

Process & Mechanical Engineer

Jacob Clanton is a process & mechanical engineer at RDT, focusing primarily on the Lithium Foil Multi-Wire Proportional Counter (Li-Foil MWPC) and crystal growth technologies. Jacob was first introduced to RDT as a college student, working as an engineering intern at RDT for almost two years while pursing a mechanical engineering degree at Kansas State University. After graduation, Jacob went to work for a large EPC company for two years, focusing on Power-to-X applications with intermittent renewable power, as well as other clean fuel technologies. Jacob returned to RDT full time in June 2024, working on production of the Li-Foil MWPC and various process optimizations of the production process. Jacob also assists in the various crystal growth projects at RDT. In his free time, Jacob enjoys watching sports, disc golfing, and spending time with friends and family.

ML Larson

Accounting

ML (“Mole”) joined RDT part-time in 2024 as a Production Technician, before coming on full-time as an Accountant. They handle most of the financials, including payroll, invoicing, and periodic reports. They eagerly jump back into MSND production during production rushes as well.
ML has a Master’s in Statistics and a Bachelor’s in Biology of Natural Resources. They enjoy baking, quilting, and playing video games. They also love spending time with their friends, family, and especially their dogs.

Bennett Omann

Semiconductor Technician

Bennett Omann joined as an intern may of 2024 while taking classes at Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC). During this time, he had primarily been tasked with MSND production and assisting in other projects. While an intern Bennett fell in love with the role he had In RDT and upon graduating with an Associates of Industrial Engineering Technology would become a Full-Time employee, where he is primarily focused on DSRD and MSND production. After work Bennett can be found in the gym and on his time off, he can be found hiking and occasionally backpacking in the wilderness or at home playing video games with his friends