The document discusses tunnel diodes, which are fast semiconductor diodes that can operate at microwave frequencies. Key points: - Tunnel diodes have an area of negative resistance on their characteristic I-V curve due to tunneling current. - They have a very narrow depletion region between the p-type and n-type areas compared to normal diodes. - Backward diodes are a type of tunnel diode where one side of the junction is less heavily doped than the other. They can be used with the diode's polarity reversed, giving them their name. - Both tunnel diodes and backward diodes have applications in detection, rectification, and switching due to their electrical properties.