Negative Resistance: Is It Real or Just Fringe?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the concept of negative resistance, particularly in relation to carbon nanotubes and historical references to Gabriel Kron's work. Participants debate whether negative resistance is a legitimate phenomenon or merely fringe science, with some asserting that it should not be included in Wikipedia if it lacks scientific credibility. The conversation highlights the distinction between static negative resistance and negative differential resistance, emphasizing that true negative resistance would imply a device that supplies power. The mention of tunneling diodes illustrates that while negative differential resistance exists, it does not equate to static negative resistance. Overall, the topic raises questions about the classification and understanding of negative resistance in scientific literature.
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From wikipedia, there is a reference to "composite configuration of carbon nanotubes which appears to exhibit anomalous results which resemble a static negative resistor", and "Gabriel Kron, while a scientist for General Electric, is thought to have built a negative resistor for the US Navy's "Network Analyser"."

Is there more to this (or is it a 'fringe' case)? If the latter, does it really belong in wiki?
 
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it's not a fringe case. look up the tunneling diode link at the wiki article. tunneling diodes do have a (U,I)-region like that.
 
Tunnel Diode is not a static device, its Imposssible within the laws of Physics to have a static negative resistor.
 
As far as I can understand the Wikipeida arttical it's talking about negative differential resistance and therefore I don't really find it unbeliavabele (perhaps a bit unusual).
 
Yes, negative differential resistance means that although it has a positive
resistance, a slight increase inthe voltage causes less current to flow.

A true negative resistance supplies power.
 
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