Disclosed is a four-dimensional (4D: 3D+time) multi-plane broadband imaging apparatus capable of recording 3D multi-plane and multi-colour images simultaneously. The apparatus includes: one or more non-reentry quadratically distorted (NRQD) gratings which can produce a focal length and a spatial position corresponding to each diffraction order, thus simultaneously transmitting wavefront information between multiple object/image planes and a single image/object plane; a grism system which can limit chromatically-induced lateral smearing by creating a collimated beam in which the spectral components are laterally displaced; a lens system which is configured to adjust the optical path; and the optical detector(s). In an optical system, the multiple object/image planes, the lens system, the grism system, the NRQD grating(s), the optical detector(s) and the single image/object plane are located on the same optical axis. This simple, easy-to-use and compact apparatus can meet many different requirements and serve a large range of high throughput applications.
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