Geoffrey Gaut

Geoffrey Charles Gaut CBE (12 October 1909 – 18 August 1992) was a scientist in Britain's early semiconductor industry.

Early life Gaut was born in Penwortham, Lancashire.

He was educated at the Royal Grammar School Worcester. He went to University College, Oxford, gaining a degree in Chemistry. He remained at Oxford and researched colloidal materials. During six years at Oxford, he was a member of the Oxford University Air Squadron, where he learned to master aerobatics.

Career

Plessey He joined Plessey in 1934, Britain's first research into solid-state silicon devices was begun in 1952, and in the late 1960s Gunn diodes were developed.

On 8 January 1963, he joined Plessey's board of directors as Director of Research, becoming Director of Technology in 1969. He retired in 1985.

British research He was a board member of the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) for many years from April 1966.

Personal life He married in 1937 and had a son and daughter. He was appointed CBE in the 1973 New Year Honours. He was an organist and pianist.