EXHIBIT 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts and
Legal Matters" in the Registration Statement and related Prospectus of APA
Optics, Inc. for the registration of 84,083 shares of its common stock and to
the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated May 5, with respect
to the financial statements of APA Optics, Inc. included in its Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended March 31, 2000, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.


                                                     ERNST & YOUNG LLP





Minneapolis, Minnesota
August 16, 2000