Traditional broadband UV optical designs often have complex structural problems and cannot meet the current requirements of light and miniaturization. In this study, we first design the substrate material of double-layer diffractive optical elements (DOEs) in the 0.23–0.8 μm band, optimize the diffraction efficiency and analyze the effect of the angle of incidence on the diffraction efficiency of double-layer DOEs. Second, we design a refractive lens system and a refractive/diffractive hybrid lens system with double-layer DOEs designed for a wide UV wavelength range of 0.23–0.8 μm, a half field of view of 15 mm, an objective aperture of 0.1 and a magnification of 1. The refractive/diffractive hybrid lens system designed with seven lenses produces a higher image quality than the refractive lens system. The novel design is an effective solution to the problem of the low transmission rate of traditional UV refractive lens systems.

Freeform optical design is regarded as a key approach to overcoming the performance limits of traditional imaging systems. However, the existing Seed Curve Expansion (SCE) algorithm has two major limitations. First, the initial and ideal image points are selected randomly, causing unstable optical performance and low construction accuracy, especially under finite object distance and non-paraxial incidence. Multiple trials are often needed, reducing efficiency and repeatability. Second, the algorithm cannot constrain aperture, focal length, or geometry; thus, despite good imaging quality, the final system parameters often deviate from design requirements, limiting engineering applicability. To address these issues, this work proposes a Stable Initialization Seed Curve Expansion (SI-SCE) algorithm based on ray tracing and Fermat’s principle. The method accurately calibrates the initial point and the ideal image point, eliminating uncertainties caused by randomness. A virtual auxiliary surface strategy is introduced to achieve high-precision freeform construction under finite object distance. In addition, a parameter constraint mechanism is embedded in the algorithm, enabling the designed off-axis multi-reflective freeform system to directly meet specified requirements on pupil diameter, focal length, and geometric size. The feasibility of the SI-SCE algorithm was demonstrated by designing a freeform off-axis three-mirror imaging system with a rectangular $6°\times 6°$ field of view and a moderate F-number. The final system features an F-number of 3.4 and an entrance pupil diameter of 60 mm. It achieves diffraction-limited performance across the Visible–NIR $\left(0.38-2 \mathrm{\mu }\mathrm{m}\right)$ wavelength range.

The predecessor of China Optics was China Optics and Applied Optics Digest, which was founded in 1985. At that time, it was the only retrieval journal in the field of optics in China. At the end of 2008, China Optics and Applied Optics Digest was renamed 《中国光学》的前身是1985年创办的《中国光学与应用光学文摘》，当时是国内光学领域唯一的检索刊物。2008年底《中国光学与应用光学文摘》转型更名为《中国光学与应用光学》期刊，刊载内容突破了文摘的限制，正式成为学术刊物。