Our Projects

Laser box

The laser box is an enclosure for a new design for diode lasers that are hermetically sealed to eliminate frequency instability due to air pressure variations.

System for creating a frequency reference

A system for creating a frequency reference. Seen in the photo are the hermetic diode laser, the hermetically sealed enclosure for an etalon that produces periodic transmission lines, and the optical fibre beam-splitters that send the laser light to all the different parts of the system (seen in the plastic box). There is also an amplifier box behind the laser.

Etalon mount

A mount was made for the science etalon, which is used to create a stable series of transmission lines at known frequencies, and for the collimators to send light into the etalon via an optical fibre and to send the transmitted light from the etalon into another optical fibre. This whole system fits inside a cylindrical vacuum enclosure (vacuum is needed for thermal and air pressure stability).

The mount is designed to be mechanically stable and thermally decoupled from the environment (hence the G10 spacers to decouple it from the bottom plate of the vacuum enclosure). The aluminium can that is being held on the left side of the picture is a cover that fits over the top part of the mechanics on the right to provide a thermal shield (and is thermally controlled via the heaters you can see glued to it). The METS team made most of the parts seen in the photo.

Spectograph

In the exoplanet research group we have been working towards building a custom high-resolution spectrograph for the campus observatory. This spectrograph will be used for a range of research, but its main purpose will be to detect planets around other stars. To find exoplanets we are looking for slight shifts in this spectrum over time. By identifying a periodic cycle of red- and blue-shifts of light coming from a star, we can detect the tiny influence of an unseen planet's gravity on the motion of its host star.

Our spectrograph has been assembled and tested in the lab, and will soon be set up for further testing and characterisation up the hill at the observatory. All our mounting hardware has been custom designed for both simplicity and stability, and has been manufactured on site at the METS workshop. - J. Pember, Physics & Astronomy, 2020.

Individual image descriptions (see file names of photos with the numbers below):

• 0250 & 0253: Whole spectrograph assembled for testing in the lab optical bench.
• 0257 & 0260: The diffraction grating (right) and prism (left) disperse the light in two orthogonal directions within the spectrograph.
• 0262: A large parabolic mirror of the same type that is used as the primary mirror in telescopes is used in the spectrograph to collimate the input light before it is dispersed into the spectrum.
• 0270: Using off-the-shelf components like telescopes and detectors leaves us with the challenge of making sure all parts are compatible with one another in the configuration we want to use them. Here, a custom spacer was made to mount a detector on the back of the telescope at the exact distance required.
• 0273: Astronomical spectrographs often require large optics, which means large mounts to hold them steady. This is a 60-degree prism that we use in another spectrograph, with custom-built mounting hardware.

Chiropractic model pelvis positioning frame

METS was tasked to manufacture a pelvic positioning frame so that a model of the pelvis could be positioned at various angles around three axies of rotation for radiographic projection. The projected image was analysed to determine the accuracy of measuring sacral obliquity and the degree of error in measuring dihedral angles on plan films. The pelvis with a known sacral obliquity angle (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 degrees) was radiographed with specific amounts of tilt and rotation.

The images demonstrate just how this was achieved by utilising a multi axis jig with a three tier alignment matrix including a unique gimbals system from the designer John Dulhunty. Looking at the images you can see just how complex it was to transform the ideas into reality and added value was introduced into the design with vernier scales and angular measurements for alignment and analysis of dihedral angles only possible with this type of arrangement.

Remote Plasma Enhanced Laser Induced Chemical Vapour Deposition Unit

The Remote Plasma Enhanced Laser Induced Chemical Vapour Deposition Unit (RPELICVDU) was designed in the Division of ICS and manufactured in the METS workshop. Its construction involved several technologies and extremely fine tolerances, high vacuum and temperature capable processes. Much of the work done on this equipment is classified, leading edge semiconductor substrate manufacture. The project has involved extensive international collaboration and close liaison between the customer and the METS workshop.

3/4 tonne fish tank

The stainless steel fish tank design and manufacture was commissioned by a neighbouring division of Macquarie University as part of a support facility up grade. There were several spatial, mass (750 kg) and environmental considerations (controlled conditions for the contents) and the incorporation of the support equipment to enable the housing of exotic species. These customer needs were incorporated in the design and manufacture, as well as budgetary and delivery constraints. METS worked closely with the customer to ensure that the finished product met their requirements.

The yellow laser

The yellow laser is a new technology laser using unique laser design developed at Macquarie University for dermatological and ophthalmological applications. The hardware and the electronic control systems were designed in house and manufactured by METS workshops. The project has been successfully tested in clinical trials and wider commercial development is proceeding.

Egypt for the blind exhibition

The Egypt for the blind exhibition was undertaken to permit visually impaired people to appreciate the history, tactile beauty and skill of the ancient creators of Egyptian funeral art. The project required layout design, proximity sensing aural commentaries unique to each exhibit, special high intensity lighting, transportability and accessibility whilst ensuring the exhibits security and stability.

University Mace

The University Mace was built in the METS workshop to exacting standards to add to the ceremonial activities that are an essential part of the graduation formalities. As much an object of art as an engineering creation, the mace serves as an example of the wide range of unique tasks undertaken by METS.

Split Image Viewing Apparatus

The Split Image Viewing Apparatus (SIVA) is an example of custom scientific equipment which was developed for a vague concept to finalised design and manufacture. Built to optical levels of precision, the SIVA has helped establish the METS reputation for being able to undertake difficult one off tasks and bring them to fruition.

Portable electrical generator

The portable electrical generator was developed to meet a unique customer requirement for high stability power supply in field conditions whilst being able to be maintained using readily available parts and expertise.

Telescope repair and manufacture

METS have been involved in the design and manufacture of astronomical equipment. METS collaborated with the Anglo-Australian Observatory (AAO) in building IRIS2, a new generation world-leading instrument for astronomy at infrared wavelengths. IRIS2 is a combined imager and spectrograph for the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT) at Siding Spring Observatory.

The Anglo-Australian Observatory IRIS2 project received the 2002 Institute of Engineers Engineering excellence award for Innovations and Inventions, and the prestigious Bradfield award. The Bradfield Award is the top award at this event, and recognises an accomplishment of exceptional engineering merit, which makes a major contribution to the community.

Sculptural installation work

METS has a long and valued association with Macquarie University Sculpture Park and with Errol Davis, one of Australia's most important sculptors and the founder of the MU Sculpture Park. METS is able to assist the Sculpture Park with installations, repairs, relocations etc. of the many sculptures on campus.

This photo is of a sculpture by Foon Sham, an overseas based artist who is Professor of Fine Arts at Merryland University, USA, titled "Vessels on the Rise" 2003. The pieces in pine are firmly anchored to the ground with steel pins. The artist visited the campus and wished to photograph his work without the clear plastic tops METS had installed to protect each piece. METS were called in to remove and and later replace the tops for the artist during his photographic session.

Engraving and signage jobs

Window decals, customised plaques, large prints, acrylic logos and lettering

Laminar flow mixer

Other examples

• Computer security
• Ceramic work
• Specialist artwork transporters
• Marine repair work
• Horticultural equipment
• Cane toad tanks.