Abstract: A temporal learning neural network includes a plurality of temporal learning neural processing elements and an input/output control section. Each element includes a calculation device and a learning device. The calculation device includes an input memory section and a response calculation circuit. The learning device includes a learning processing circuit and a history evaluation circuit. The calculation circuit calculates a sum of a total summation value of a product of input values and connection efficacies, and an internal potential, compares the sum with a predetermined threshold value, outputs a 1 or 0 signal depending on the comparison and substitutes internal potential of a next time for the sum. The processing circuit receives an input history evaluation value when the calculation circuit has produced an output 1 signal which strengthens, weakens or leaves unchanged the connection efficacies depending on the comparison.

Abstract: A tapered carbon microelectrode is produced by extruding an organic material or a composition composed of crystalline carbon fine powder and an organic binder into a thin rod form, carbonizing said rod by calcining to produce a pure carbon thin rod, soaking the resulting thin rod as an anode in an electrolytic solution, gradually pulling up the thin rod while electrochemically oxidizing the tip portion of the thin rod. Then a lead wire is connected with the thick portion of the thin rod followed by coating all the surface except the conically sharp tip portion.The tapered carbon electrode can be used for various electrochemical measurements and scanning tunneling microscope.