The optical axis is an imaginary line that defines the path along which light travels through an optical system, such as a lens or crystal. It serves as a reference line for understanding how light interacts with various materials, especially in contexts where birefringence and optical activity affect light propagation. This concept is crucial for analyzing how different optical phenomena can alter the behavior of light in non-uniform materials.
congrats on reading the definition of Optical Axis. now let's actually learn it.