The discussion focuses on the derivation of the Airy equation in the context of light diffraction, specifically from the wave equation. The Airy disc represents the diffraction pattern produced by a circular aperture, which is defined using an aperture function in cylindrical coordinates. To obtain the diffraction pattern, the theory of Fraunhofer diffraction is applied, resulting in a 2D Fourier transform of the aperture function. Participants express a need for detailed mathematical derivations and calculations related to this process. The conversation emphasizes the complexity of deriving the Airy equation from the Fourier integral equation.