Augustin-Jean Fresnel was a French engineer and physicist born on August 10, 1788. He is best known for his work on the wave theory of light and the development of the Fresnel lens, which significantly improved lighthouse technology. His contributions helped to advance the understanding of optics and light propagation. Fresnel's research laid the groundwork for modern optics, influencing various fields, including photography and telecommunications. He also made significant contributions to the study of diffraction, which describes how light waves bend around obstacles. Fresnel passed away on July 14, 1827, leaving a lasting legacy in the scientific community.