Zernike Polynomials are a set of mathematical functions that are used to describe wavefronts and optical surfaces. They are particularly useful in fields like optics and image processing because they can represent complex shapes and patterns in a systematic way. Each polynomial corresponds to a specific mode of variation, allowing for detailed analysis of optical aberrations. These polynomials are defined on a unit circle and are orthogonal, meaning they can be used to separate different components of a wavefront. This property makes them valuable for applications such as telescopes, microscopes, and adaptive optics, where precise control over light is essential.