Abstract: An optical switch is provided, which is used to switch a light path(s) between at least three lenses spaced from each other in a horizontal direction, or in horizontal and vertical directions. This optical switch comprises a lens supporting member for supporting the lenses, fixed prism optically coupled to the lenses, and a movable prism supported to be movable relative to the lens supporting member. The movable prism is driven by an actuator between a first position where a light path is formed between two of the lenses by use of the fixed prism and a second position where a light path is formed between another two of the lenses by use of the movable prism.

Abstract: Functional cereals are provided in which the melatonin content of the cereals is increased by germinating the cereals under fixed conditions and a physiological activity and a function of reducing the odor of stool are added by the physiologically active substance melatonin and/or dietary fibers as active ingredients. Further, it has been found that high-quality and uniform germinated cereals are produced by germination using melatonin as an index.

Abstract: A ferroelectric material has hysteresis characteristics in the polarization-electric field relationship thereof, exhibits an antiferroelectric phase at room temperature, and carries out a structural phase transition from the antiferroelectric state to a ferroelectric phase with the application of an electric field thereto, and a phase transition electric field with which the antiferroelectric-to-ferroelectric phase transition is carried out is shifted to a lower electric field with the elevation of the temperature thereof, and a phase transition electric field with which a ferroelectric-to-antiferroelectric phase transition is carried out has a negative value. A semiconductor non-volatile memory, a rewritable optical recording medium, a highly integrated micro-displacement control device, and a shape memory device, each utilizing the above-mentioned ferroelectric material, are provided.

Abstract: A ferroelectric material has hysteresis characteristics in the polarization--electric field relationship thereof, exhibits an antiferroelectric phase at room temperature, and carries out a structural phase transition from the antiferroelectric state to a ferroelectric phase with the application of an electric field thereto, and a phase transition electric field with which the antiferroelectric-to-ferroelectric phase transition is carried out is shifted to a lower electric field with the elevation of the temperature thereof, and a phase transition electric field with which a ferroelectric-to-antiferroelectric phase transition is carried out has a negative value. A semiconductor non-volatile memory, a rewritable optical recording medium, a highly integrated micro-displacement control device, and a shape memory device, each utilizing the above-mentioned ferroelectric material, are provided.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte with excellent ionic conductivity, which is composed of a viscoelastic material having a structure of a polymerized material and a non-aqueous electrolytic solution contained in the polymerized material, a chemical element containing the solid electrolyte, and a method of fabricating the solid electrolyte are described. This solid electrolyte contains the non-aqueous electrolytic solution in an amount of 200 wt. % or more of the polymer and has a modulus of elasticity of 10.sup.2 to 10.sup.5 dyne/cm.sup.2, and an elongation of 20% or more.