Abstract: The present invention provides a switching element in which an organic bistable material is disposed between two electrodes, this element having a high ratio of ON current to OFF current, a high threshold voltage, and a small spread. A switching element in which an organic bistable material layer comprising an organic bistable material having two stable values of resistance with respect to the applied voltage is disposed between at least two electrodes, wherein an organic material layer is provided between the organic bistable material layer and at least one of the electrodes. Electrically conductive fine particles are preferably dispersed in the organic materials layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a switching element in which an organic bistable material is disposed between two electrodes, this element having a high ratio of ON current to OFF current, a high threshold voltage, and a small spread. A switching element in which an organic bistable material layer comprising an organic bistable material having two stable values of resistance with respect to the applied voltage is disposed between at least two electrodes, wherein an organic material layer is provided between the organic bistable material layer and at least one of the electrodes. Electrically conductive fine particles are preferably dispersed in the organic materials layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a switching element in which the compositional deviation of material is suppressed and that attains uniform bistability performance and is suitable for mass production. In a switching element comprising an organic bistable material, which exhibits two stable states in resistance under applied voltage, arranged between at least two electrodes, the organic bistable material comprises at least a compound having an electron-donating functional group and an electron-accepting functional group in each molecule. It is preferred that, for example, an aminoimidazole type compound, a pyridone type compound, a stilbene type compound or a butadiene type compound be used as the above compound.