A compound lens assembly and method for making a compound lens assembly useful for deep ultraviolet lithography are described. The compound lens assembly includes a first lens component having an optical surface bonded to an optical surface of a second lens component. The bonding at the interface can be achieved using a hydroxide catalysis bonding technique. The compound lens assembly and process for making same solve problems relating to constringence and/or inherent birefringence known for conventional optical elements used in deep ultraviolet lithography or inspection of wafers or reticles in the DUV.