Short historical review of development of scientific branch “negatronics”

Main stages of development of negatronics are considered in the article. The review is based on the analysis of research results in the branch of creations of negatrons and devices based on negatrons which use various physical effects in gas, vacuum and semiconductors. Merits and demerits of designed negatrons are generalized. Roles of various scientific trends in the area of negatronics are noted.