An octupole is a type of multipole, which is a mathematical representation used in physics to describe the distribution of electric or magnetic fields. Specifically, an octupole has eight poles, arranged in a specific geometric pattern. This configuration is often used in fields like nuclear physics and particle physics to analyze the behavior of particles in various systems. In practical applications, octupoles can be found in devices such as mass spectrometers and ion traps. They help to manipulate and control charged particles, improving the precision of measurements and experiments. Understanding octupoles is essential for advancing technologies in quantum computing and accelerator physics.