Filing Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
                                            Registration Statement No. 333-33966


                              PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
                      (TO PROSPECTUS DATED APRIL 12, 2000)

                                  COMMON STOCK

                                APA OPTICS, INC.


         You should read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus carefully before you invest. Both documents contain information you
should consider when making your investment decision.

         See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 5 of the prospectus to read about
factors you should consider before buying shares of the common stock.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

         Pursuant to this prospectus supplement, we are offering an aggregate of
614,286 shares of our common stock to Amro International, S.A., Bay Harbour
Investments, Inc., and Radyr Investments, Ltd., institutional investors, through
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co., Inc. The common stock will be purchased at a
negotiated aggregate purchase price of $9,000,000. We will pay Ladenburg a
commission of $270,000 on this sale. We have agreed to indemnify Ladenburg
against liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.

USE OF PROCEEDS

         The net proceeds to us from this sale will be approximately
$8,730,000. We plan to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes,
including:

         *   Expansion of production facilities
         *   Sales and marketing of our DWDM-based product line
         *   Working capital

MARKET FOR OUR COMMON STOCK

         On July 7, 2000, the last reported sales price of our common shares on
the Nasdaq SmallCap Market was $17.13125 per share. Our common stock is listed
on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the symbol "APAT."

         As of July 7, 2000 and before the issuance of shares pursuant to this
prospectus supplement, we have 10,794,219 shares of common stock outstanding.

GENERAL

         You should rely only on the information provided or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus supplement and the prospectus. We have not
authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. You should not
assume that the information in this prospectus supplement is accurate as of any
date other than the date on the front of these documents.



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         The Securities and Exchange Commission and state securities regulators
have not approved or disapproved these securities, or determined if this
prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.

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             The date of this prospectus supplement is July 11, 2000


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