Abstract: Optical apparatuses are provided that use near-field light, where high spatial resolution and high sensitivity are made compatible. Highly intense near-field light is generated in a narrow area using localized plasmons that are produced in a metal pattern 106 in a shape that bears anisotropy and is made to irradiate a measured subject. The direction of polarization 104 of incident light 103 is modulated and signal light is subjected to synchronous detection, so that background light is removed and high sensitivity is achieved.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide optical apparatuses using the near-field light where high spatial resolution and high sensitivity are made compatible. Highly intense near-field light is generated in a narrow area using localized plasmons that are produced in a metal pattern 106 in the shape that bears anisotropy and is made to irradiate a measured subject. The direction of polarization 104 of incident light 103 is modulated and signal light is subjected to synchronous detection, so that background light is removed and high sensitivity is achieved.

Abstract: In a digital information system for realizing the sale of information or the like having a commercial value in the form of a digital signal, and an audio processor, and signal processor suitably used with the system, when a digital signal is received/delivered, a digital signal source is connected directly to a player for receiving and storing a specified information, which is reproduced by the player independently. A voice interval of a digital audio signal is processed to realize the slow and fast playback. The system includes a data compressor and a data extender of simple configuration. The value of the digital signal received/delivered can be exhibited directly. A selling system is constructed easily, and the player is simple in configuration and easy to operate by anyone.

Abstract: In a digital information system for realizing the sale of information or the like having a commercial value in the form of a digital signal, and an audio processor, and signal processor suitably used with the system, when a digital signal is received/delivered, a digital signal source is connected directly to a player for receiving and storing a specified information, which is reproduced by the player independently. A voice interval of a digital audio signal is processed to realize the slow and fast playback. The system includes a data compressor and a data extender of simple configuration. The value of the digital signal received/delivered can be exhibited directly. A selling system is constructed easily, and the player is simple in configuration and easy to operate by anyone.

Abstract: In a method for driving a display device, by which energy stored in a plurality of electrodes serving as a capacitive load is recovered through switches, current paths for charging said electrodes from a charge supplying source differ from current paths for discharging the electrodes for the energy recovery.

Abstract: A switching circuit has switching elements for passing-through or cutting-off signals of a positive pulse, which is a rectangular pulse rising from a low level and falling after having kept a high level for a certain time as a high voltage input signal, and a negative pulse, which is a rectangular pulse falling from a high level and rising after having kept a low level for a certain time, the switching circuit being applied to a capacitive load driving device.

Abstract: A digital displacement sensor includes a plurality of zigzag coils provided with projecting or convex portions having different pitches and arranged on the surface of a flat plate. A magnetic head consisting of a magnetic body and a coil is wound around part of the magnetic body, the magnetic head being supported so as to be moved, while maintaining a given gap from the surface of the flat plate, whereby a digital signal corresponding to the displacement of the magnetic head is sensed by means of a plurality of zigzag coils.