Simplified K-linearization and dispersion compensation method for low-cost real-time serial sectioning-swept source optical coherence tomography

Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT) requires linear k-space sampling and dispersion compensation to achieve optimal axial resolution, typically necessitating expensive, high-speed data acquisition hardware. Existing numerical methods are computationally intensive, hindering real-time imaging. While phase linearization offers a simpler alternative, its applicability is limited to shallow depths. Here, we demonstrate that for serial sectioning and imaging, where the region of interest is confined to a few hundred micrometers, phase linearization is highly effective. We developed a simplified workflow that enables real-time reconstruction without added processing time. Using a commercial swept source, we maintained a sharp axial point spread function over a 700[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]m depth, sufficient for visualizing fine brain structures in mice. Our method allows for video-rate display using cost-effective, low-sampling-rate hardware.