Abstract: In order to provide a small-sized and compact optical switch of 1×4 type. Two movable optical fibers are fixed on a substrate by a fixing block disposed in a middle portion of the fibers. Two movable blocks made of a soft magnetic body are mounted to the both ends of the movable optical fibers. Two soft magnetic fixing blocks are arranged on the substrate for fixing one optical fiber so as to oppose to one of the movable block, and for fixing four optical fibers so as to oppose to the movable block, respectively. Two movable blocks can be independently moved with respect to the respective fixing blocks by means of actuators. Further, it is possible to detect a position of each movable block with respect to the fixing block by means of detecting electrodes.

Abstract: In order to provide a small-sized and compact optical switch of 1×4 type. Two movable optical fibers are fixed on a substrate by a fixing block disposed in a middle portion of the fibers. Two movable blocks made of a soft magnetic body are mounted to the both ends of the movable optical fibers. Two soft magnetic fixing blocks are arranged on the substrate for fixing one optical fiber so as to oppose to one of the movable block, and for fixing four optical fibers so as to oppose to the movable block, respectively. Two movable blocks can be independently moved with respect to the respective fixing blocks by means of actuators. Further, it is possible to detect a position of each movable block with respect to the fixing block by means of detecting electrodes.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive (MR) sensor for MR heads comprising a magnetoresistive ferromagnetic layer (MR layer) and an antiferromagnetic layer in direct contact with the surface of the MR layer. The MR layer has a face-centered-cubic (fcc) structure. The crystalline structure of the antiferromagnetic layer is the fcc structure in the vicinity of the interface of the MR layer and the antiferromagnetic layer, and continuously changes to a face-centered-tetragonal (fct) structure toward the surface opposite to the interface. The interface of the MR layer and the antiferromagnetic layer is continuous with respect to the crystalline structure due to the epitaxial growth of the antiferromagnetic layer on the surface of the MR layer.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive (MR) sensor for MR heads comprising a magnetoresistive ferromagnetic layer (MR layer) and an antiferromagnetic layer in direct contact with the surface of the MR layer. The MR layer has a face-centered-cubic (fcc) structure. The crystalline structure of the antiferromagnetic layer is the fcc structure in the vicinity of the interface of the MR layer and the antiferromagnetic layer, and continuously changes to a face-centered-tetragonal (fct) structure toward the surface opposite to the interface. The interface of the MR layer and the antiferromagnetic layer is continuous with respect to the crystalline structure due to the epitaxial growth of the antiferromagnetic layer on the surface of the MR layer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a harmonic modulation device of waveguide type including a semiconductor laser, a waveguide for generating a nonlinear optical harmonic of the semiconductor laser by keeping phase matching, means for leading an optical beam of the semiconductor laser to the waveguide, electrodes disposed on the waveguide, and means for modulating a refractive index of the waveguide electro-optically to modulate a phase matching condition and thereby modulate an intensity of the harmonic.

Abstract: In growing an oxide single crystal such as a garnet single crystal or ferrite single crystal by the liquid epitaxial process, the Bridgman process or the like, the melting-out of a platinum or platinum-based alloy-made crucible holding a melt for growing the crystal therefrom is prevented by bringing an electrode in contact with the melt or dipping the electrode into the melt in oxygen, air or an inert gas, applying electric current through the melt between the electrode and the metallic container and controlling the current so as to keep it at nearly zero.