Wave Optics is a branch of optics that studies the behavior of light as a wave. It explains phenomena such as interference, diffraction, and polarization, which cannot be adequately described by the particle theory of light. This approach is essential for understanding how light interacts with various materials and how it can be manipulated in different applications.
One of the key concepts in wave optics is Huygens' Principle, which states that every point on a wavefront can be considered a source of secondary wavelets. These wavelets combine to form new wavefronts, helping to explain how light spreads and bends around obstacles. This principle is fundamental in designing optical devices like lenses and mirrors.