Wavefront theory

Wavefront theory explains how light propagates and forms images by considering the shape and behavior of the light's wavefronts—smooth, continuous surfaces representing points of equal phase. When light waves pass through a lens or optical system, their wavefronts are altered to converge or diverge, shaping the resulting image. This theory helps in understanding optical quality, correcting distortions, and designing better lenses by analyzing how wavefronts change as they travel through different media. Essentially, it provides a detailed way to visualize and control how light behaves to achieve clear and accurate visuals.