Definition
A Fresnel lens is a type of lens that is thinner and lighter than a conventional lens. It's designed to focus light, often used in lighthouses, spotlights, and camera lenses. Think of it as a flattened lens with concentric grooves, like a bunch of rings on a target. This design allows it to gather more light while being less bulky. It's named after French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel. It makes powerful lighting more accessible in compact devices.