Herbert John Shaw
June 2, 1918-Jan. 20, 2006
Palo Alto, California

Herbert John Shaw, a professor emeritus of applied physics and Stanford's most prolific inventor, died Jan. 20, 2006, of natural causes at his home in Palo Alto. He was 87.

He was born June 2, 1918, in Seattle. He received his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Washington in 1941. In 1942, he received his master's degree and in 1948, he received his doctorate, both in electrical engineering from Stanford. He joined Stanford as a research associate in the Department of Electrical Engineering in 1948, eventually becoming the associate director of Stanford's Microwave Laboratory, later renamed the Edward L. Ginzton Laboratory, by 1977. Six years later, he became a research professor in applied physics. He retired in 1989.

During his distinguished career, he authored 291 technical publications and was awarded about 100 U.S. patents. His research interests spanned nearly the entire field of fiber optics. His numerous patents included an optical gyroscope for navigational use in airplanes, missiles and ships systems, which he and his colleagues developed in 1982. The device, which fit into a box of chocolates, was smaller, weighed less and lasted longer than conventional mechanical gyroscopes.

Since 1996, the royalties from his patents have brought the university more than $34 million, according to the university. In 2001 alone, the royalties from three patents relating to fiber-optic amplifiers brought the university more than $10 million -- more than any other patents that year. Shaw received numerous professional honors, including the 1976 Morris N. Liebmann Memorial Award of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the 1981 Achievement Award of the IEEE Group on Sonics and Ultrasonics. In 1986, he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, the highest professional distinction that can be conferred on an engineer.

Aside from his academic pursuits, Shaw loved fishing, boating, line dancing and spending time with his family. He was even a licensed masseur. Friends remembered Shaw as kind, patient and having a sweet, gentle personality. Shaw is survived by his daughters, Kathleen Shaw of Eugene, Ore., and Karen Shaw of Menlo Park, Calif.; one granddaughter, Sarah Glidden of Eugene, Ore.; and sister Connie Smith of Hayward, Calif. Shaw's son, John Joseph "Jack" Shaw, died in 1988, and his wife of 59 years, Francel Shaw, died in 2002.

Tags: teacher/educator