A spatial light modulating element and a neural network circuit are disclosed. The element is used in pattern recognition and has an arrangement in which a photoconductive layer (103) held between conductive electrodes (101, 102) is connected in series to a liquid crystal cell (109) including a liquid crystal layer held between two opposite electrodes. Setting the rate between the area of the photoconductive layer and the area of at least one of the opposite electrodes between the liquid crystal layer is disposed, provides a highly efficient reflective and transmissive spatial light modulating element of a simple structure. Both reflective and transmissive spatial light modulating elements are applied to a neurocomputer or the like.
Spatial light modulating element and neural network circuit.