Abstract: An apparatus provided for evaluating electrical characteristics by bringing a plurality of metal probes in contact with a sample. A metal probe is formed on a free end of a cantilever on which are formed a resistor, two electrodes for resistance detection, and an electrode for measuring electrical characteristics. A tip of the metal probe projects beyond the free end of the cantilever. The probe position is controlled by an atomic force microscopy.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for constructing bridge including fine wires or point contacts producing a quanitized inter-electrode conductance, and provides a method for easily controlling the conductance of this bridge. Further, it aims to provide an electronic element using conductance control due to the bridge, fine wire or point contact formed between the electrodes.

Abstract: There are provided a point contact array, in which a plurality of point contacts are arranged, each point contact electrically and reversibly controlling conductance between electrodes and being applicable to an arithmetic circuit, a logic circuit, and a memory device, a NOT circuit, and an electronic circuit using the same.

Abstract: The invention provides a probe for use with a scanning tunneling microscope, a method of treating the probe, and a method of fabricating a nano-structure, which facilitates formation of a continuous nano-structure. The probe for the scanning tunneling microscope is formed of an Ag2S crystal having both ion conductivity and electron conductivity. Voltage and tunnel current are applied between the probe and a substrate in order to move movable Ag ions to thereby grow, on the tip end of the probe, a projection (mini chip) composed of Ag ions or Ag atoms. The polarity of the applied voltage is reversed after the growth of the projection in order to return the Ag ions or Ag atoms constituting the grown projection (mini chip) into the Ag2S crystal to thereby contract the projection. Thus, the probe can have a projection composed of Ag ions or Ag atoms and a regulated shape.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for evaluating electrical characteristics by bringing a plurality of metal probes in contact with a minute area with low contact resistance.

Abstract: This invention provides a superconducting magnetic shield and a magnetic shielding apparatus including the same, thereby accurately measuring an extremely weak magnetic field such an magnetoencephalographic waves by reducing the influence of magnetic field of the earth or magnetic noises.

Abstract: This invention provides a superconducting magnetic shield and a magnetic shielding apparatus including the same, thereby accurately measuring an extremely weak magnetic field such as magnetoencephalographic waves by reducing the influence of magnetic field of the earth or magnetic noises.