Dr. Herbert John Shaw (June 2, 1918 – January 19, 2006) was a professor at Stanford University, and a major inventor in the fields of fiber optic gyroscopes, optical communications, and surface acoustic wave devices.
Shaw was born in Seattle, and in 1941 received his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Washington.
Six years later, Shaw became a research professor in applied physics.
Shaw authored 291 technical publications and received about 100 U.S. patents, mostly in the field of photonics.
He received the 1976 IEEE Morris N. Liebmann Memorial Award "for contributions to the development of acoustic surface wave devices" and the 1981 Achievement Award of the IEEE Group on Sonics and Ultrasonics "for many contributions, through research and education, to ultrasonics technology."