Fresnel lens

A type of lens manufactured using a molding process that results in annular rings (or grooves) in thin plastic or acrylic. Each groove refracts the light as if it were a part of a whole conventional lens. The result is a lighter lens that can have a lower f/# than a conventional glass lens of the same focal length. The original design for this type of lens was made by Augustin-Jean Fresnel for use in lighthouses.