Multi-band common aperture confocal surface optical system as a result of ‘an optical lens and a detector’ performance is equivalent to the ability of the traditional optical system (two optical lenses with two detectors). Co-calibre confocal plane imaging enables the matching of the field of view with the target information and provides a prerequisite for the subsequent fusion of information in all bands. Based on its small number of optical components and small size, this system has become a new research direction of multi-band optical system. In particular, the annular multi-reflection optical systems, with their small size, occupy an important position in the fields of gun sights, guide heads, and machine vision. Taking the development of multi-band common aperture confocal surface optical system as the main line, the research status of multi-band optical system is analyzed, and various types of multi-band common aperture confocal surface optical system are comprehensively introduced. The characteristics of the optical structure, optical system performance, and the advantages and disadvantages of these optical systems are discussed and compared, which provide a reference for researchers in the field of optical design.