A Schottky diode is a type of semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction while blocking it in the opposite direction. It is made by joining a metal, such as gold or aluminum, with a semiconductor, typically silicon. This unique construction results in a low forward voltage drop and fast switching speeds, making it ideal for applications like power supplies and radio frequency systems. One of the key features of a Schottky diode is its low reverse recovery time, which means it can quickly switch between conducting and non-conducting states. This characteristic helps improve the efficiency of electronic circuits, especially in solar inverters and switching power supplies. Overall, Schottky diodes are essential components in modern electronics.