Abstract: A visual information processing device having a neural network function and capable of visual information processing comprises a semiconductor integrated circuit device section equipped with a plurality of neuronic circuit regions realizing a neuron function included in the neural network function, and first and second molecular film sections provided on the integrated circuit device section. The first molecular film section comprises a light-receiving molecular film section including Tij input elements having a photoelectric function and to which coupling strength levels (Tij) between the plurality of neuronic circuit regions are optically written to realize electric connection between the neuronic circuit regions and image input elements for sensing visual images, each neuronic circuit region corresponding to one pixel.

Abstract: An organic electric-field switching device has transparent or semitransparent upper electrodes and second insulating film so as to bias an electric field on a hetero-junction membrane formed on a lower electrode, in which the doping speed of a carrier is fast, and the switching device can be operated as the solid-state device and can be easily formed on a semiconductor made of silicon and the like. Therefore, the degree of integration of the device can be rapidly increased due to its multilayered structure.

Abstract: An information processing element for processing information with a function of neural network includes a semiconductor integrated circuit element portion comprising a plurality of neuron circuit regions constituting a neuron function among the neural network function, a molecular film element having a light-electricity function, provided on the circuit element portion, and the combination between the plurality of neurons is realized by utilizing a photoconductivity property of the molecular film element.

Abstract: A photoresponsive element utilizing a molecular heterojunction includes a first redox material film, a second redox material film having a different redox potential from that of the first redox material film and disposed in contact with the first redox material film, a first electrode connected to the first redox material film, and a second electrode connected to the second redox material film. The photoresponsive element is photoconductive and photovoltaic.

Abstract: A modifying agent for a conductive substrate which comprises a flavin derivative represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an acyl groups, R2 and R3 each represent a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group having one to four carbon atoms, and R4 represents a thiocyanato group or a mercapto group.

Abstract: A visual information processing device has a pair of neural networks which respectively comprise an upper layer and a lower layer of the device. Each of the pair of neural networks comprises a semiconductor integrated circuit having a plurality of neuron circuit regions which are disposed in a matrix form, each of the neuron circuit regions performing a neuron function; a molecule film having a photoelectric function and provided on the semiconductor integrated circuit, the molecule film having (i) a plurality of T.sub.ij signal input sections each performing a wiring function among the plurality of neuron circuit regions, in each of which a T.sub.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic device including a redox electrical element formed with redox materials such as a flavin derivative and a porphyrin derivative. The size of this electronic device can be reduced to a hyperfine level. By utilizing this electronic device, furthermore, a high-speed integrated circuit of high density can be obtained.

Abstract: A modifying agent for a conductive substrate comprises a flavin derivative. A flavin-modified electrode obtained through modification by the modifying agent is capable of reducing an electron transfer protein having a standard oxidation-reduction potential higher than, or on the positive side of, the standard oxidation-reduction potential of the flavin derivative but is incapable of oxidizing the electron transfer protein, and is therefor capable of controlling electron transport so that the electron transport takes place in only one direction. With this characteristic feature, the modified electrode is applicable to functional devices such as diodes, transistors and optical switch devices.

Abstract: In the method for measuring cell counts or methane producing activity of Methanogens according the present invention, an extracted liquid is prepared by adding an addition solution for extracting a particular fluorescent substance inherent to Methanogens, for example, F.sub.420 exciting in the energy metabolism system of Methanogens in the object for examination and functioning as the electron carrier in the electron transport system or by heating the first object for examination. Since a particular fluorescent substance existing in the Methanogen cells in the first object for examination has been extracted out of the Methanogen cells, the intensity of fluorescence is increased upon measurement thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a redox electric element circuit formed by using oxidation-reduction substance such as electron-transport protein or the like. Oxidation-reduction substance arranged between redox electric elements and the like is inactivated by energy beam irradiation to form insulating matter, so that wirings and element separation structure are established between redox electric elements and the like.

Abstract: Layers constituting a rectifier or transistor element are respectively formed by oxidation-reduction substances so that a redox potential difference is provided between adjacent layers. The oxidation-reduction substances are selected from biogenic redox protein, pseudo-redox protein and the like. The element is implemented in hyperfine size in molecular level, so that an integrated circuit of super-high density can be attained by using the element.