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 comprises: one or more non-reentry quadratically distorted (NRQD) gratings (5) 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 (2) and a single image/object plane (7); a grism system (4) which can limit chromatically-induced lateral smearing by creating a collimated beam in which the spectral components are laterally displaced; a lens system (3) which is configured to adjust the optical path; and the optical detector(s) (6). In an optical system, the multiple object/image planes (2), the lens system (3), the grism system (4), the NRQD grating(s) (5), the optical detector(s) (6) and the single image/object plane (7) are located on the same optical axis (1). This simple, easy-to-use and compact apparatus can meet many different requirements and serve a large range of high throughput applications.