Optics is the branch of physics that deals with the behavior of light and its interactions with matter. It includes the study of how light is generated, how it propagates through different mediums, how it can be manipulated, and how it interacts with various optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms. Optics plays a crucial role in a wide range of fields, including astronomy, telecommunications, microscopy, and laser technology. Researchers in optics study phenomena such as reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference to develop new optical technologies and devices.