Covesion is proud to announce the launch of the OCmicro temperature controller, a compact, high-performance solution designed specifically for use with our PPLN crystal ovens and waveguide modules. Delivering unrivalled thermal stability in a miniature form, the OCmicro sets a new standard for integration into advanced optical systems.

The OCmicro ensures long-term thermal stability of ±0.01°C across the full operating range of 30°C to 200°C. With a set-point resolution of 0.01°C, users can achieve and maintain optimised conversion efficiency for Covesion’s MgO:PPLN crystals and modules. Stability is typically achieved within just a few minutes of reaching the target temperature, enabling rapid system setup without compromising performance.

At only 28 × 27.8 × 14.5 mm, the OCmicro’s compact footprint is ideal for OEM integration. Despite its size, it delivers robust functionality making it perfectly suited for high-performance optical setups where space is at a premium.

The OCmicro can heat from ambient temperature to 200°C in under seven minutes, ensuring swift operation in demanding environments. With an absolute temperature accuracy of ±0.1°C and stable 24-hour operation at ±0.01°C, the controller is engineered for reliability in both laboratory and industrial applications.

Designed with user flexibility in mind, the OCmicro offers direct control from a PC or microcontroller via RS485 communication, as well as compatibility with the Covesion temperature controller GUI. This enables seamless integration into automated optical systems, allowing researchers and engineers to control PPLN modules with ease.

Key features include:

• Set point stability: ±0.01°C
• Resolution: 0.01°C
• Temperature range: 15°C to 200°C
• Heating time: <7 minutes to 200°C
• Compact form factor: 28 × 27.8 × 14.5 mm
• Control: RS485 serial interface, GUI compatible
• OEM integration: User-defined connector options

As a Made in Britain product, the OCmicro reflects Covesion’s commitment to delivering precision-engineered solutions for the photonics community. Its combination of compact size, high stability, and flexible control makes it the perfect companion for Covesion’s PPLN crystal ovens and waveguide modules, empowering customers to push the boundaries of optical system performance.

For more information or to discuss your application, contact us at sales@covesion.com or call +44 (0)1794 521638.

We are proud to announce the launch of our new Temperature Controller Interface Software, delivering powerful functionality, streamlined control, and enhanced usability across our range of temperature controllers.

The software provides a convenient PC-based interface for Covesion’s resistive heating and thermo-electric cooler models, including the OC2, OC3, OC Micro, TC Light, MC1, and MC Micro. Through seamless USB connectivity, it automatically detects the connected controller and oven, giving users immediate access to real-time monitoring and control from their desktop.

Among its new capabilities, the interface allows users to set oven temperatures manually, monitor live temperature data, and view graphical displays of both setpoint and measured values. Its advanced graphing functions make it easy to visualise performance in real time. The software also introduces temperature cycling, enabling up to five different programmed temperature points within a cycle, with full control over dwell times and ramp rates. This makes it particularly valuable for research, testing, and applications requiring highly precise thermal management.

Data management has also been greatly enhanced. Users can export live data or graphical outputs into CSV files, with options for continuous saving during operation. This ensures accurate documentation, reliable reporting, and repeatability for research projects and industrial applications.

For experienced users, the software includes an advanced access level with features such as PID tuning, temperature limit adjustment, ramp rate control, and file management tools. An Auto Tune function is also available for automatic PID optimisation, ensuring stable operation with minimal manual configuration.

Installation is straightforward, with files provided via download link or USB. Once installed, the software launches automatically and integrates smoothly with the Windows environment. Its clean design and auto-detection capabilities make setup fast and effortless, allowing users to focus immediately on their work.

The release of this interface software highlights Covesion’s commitment to supporting applications where precise temperature control is essential, from photonics and optics to laboratory research and advanced product development. By combining robust performance with ease of use, Covesion continues to empower researchers, engineers, and manufacturers worldwide.

The Temperature Controller Interface Software is now available on request. For installation files, technical support, or further details, users can contact the team at sales@covesion.com or by telephoning +44 (0)1794 521638.

We’re pleased to share that AdvR Inc., a recognised leader in non-linear optics and quantum photonics, has joined Hawthorn Photonics, alongside Covesion. With Covesion already a valued member of the group, this strategic integration expands our global footprint, deepens our specialist capabilities, and strengthens the breadth of innovative photonic solutions we deliver to customers around the world.

Both Covesion and AdvR have decades of experience pioneering their respective technologies.

AdvR brings a rich foundation of technical innovation in non-linear optics, using advanced materials such as potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP), lithium niobate (LN), magnesium-doped lithium niobate, and thin film lithium niobate (TFLN). The company’s diverse product range includes high-efficiency frequency converters, phase modulators, and sources of entangled photon pairs, supporting advanced research and commercial deployment across quantum technologies, atomic physics, and other sensing applications.

Covesion has established itself as a world leader in magnesium-doped, periodically poled lithium niobate (MgO:PPLN) technology, offering cutting-edge products and exceptional technical support. Our solutions cater to a wide range of applications including lasers, scientific instrumentation, quantum technology, aerospace, and environmental sciences.

This is not simply a joining of companies; it is a purposeful alignment of vision, values, and technical depth. Together, the two organisations will serve a broader base of scientific and commercial customers with expanded capabilities and solutions engineered for the future. The combination of AdvR and Covesion significantly expands group capabilities across a broad range of non-linear optical materials, including MgO:PPLN, LN, TFLN, and KTP. The combined product portfolio spans both free-space and fiber-based devices, offering high-performance phase modulators, entangled photon-pair sources, and customized frequency conversion solutions.

This enriched offering supports a growing number of advanced applications across quantum sensing, timing, and computing, as well as spectroscopy, secure communications, lasers, and biomedical imaging, delivering flexible, scalable solutions from 350 nm to 6000 nm. The combination will enable our customers to access high-quality research and development, as well as standard off-the-shelf products and bespoke engineered systems. These merged capabilities also allow for deeper customization and co-development with our customers who require tailored photonics solutions.

AdvR’s established base in Bozeman, Montana significantly enhances the group’s presence in North America, enabling more responsive local support and closer proximity to key US customers. Covesion’s presence in the UK will enable the AdvR product range to gain greater access to European and Asian markets and will continue to drive technical excellence in MgO:PPLN crystal development, engineering support, and systems integration, creating a strong transatlantic platform for growth.

Both parties are committed to a smooth and thorough integration process, ensuring continuity for customers, suppliers, and research partners alike. All existing customer relationships, service agreements, and product offerings will be honoured, with expanded support and development capacity going forward.

This milestone marks an exciting new chapter for the non-linear optical crystals market, one that builds on the foundations of both companies and signals a step forward in capability, capacity, and collaboration.

“This alignment is a natural and strategic evolution of our shared mission to drive innovation in non-linear optics,” said Mike Day, President of Hawthorn Photonics. “AdvR’s team and technology are world-class, and we’re thrilled to be working with them as we expand our reach into new application areas, accelerate innovation, and deliver even more value to our customers. AdvR joining Hawthorn Photonics brings new opportunities for growth through increased manufacturing capacity and commercial reach, while preserving the team’s core scientific focus and commitment to technological advancement.”

Commenting on becoming part of Hawthorn Photonics, Phil Battle, CEO of AdvR, said: “This marks an exciting new chapter for AdvR and our employees, allowing us to broaden our product portfolio and strengthen our operations. By bringing together the very best scientific and engineering expertise, we are expanding our technical capabilities to offer our customers cutting-edge innovations that will continue to meet their ever-evolving and complex requirements. Becoming part of this group positions us to play a key role in shaping the future of photonics.”