EXHIBIT 99.1



NEWS RELEASE


                     DAVID R. PETERS JOINS APA OPTICS, INC.
                           AS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

MINNEAPOLIS  (January  28,  2003)  - APA Optics (Nasdaq/NM.APAT) today announced
that  David  Peters  has  joined APA Optics as chief financial officer effective
January  24,  2003.  David  holds  a MBA from Carlson School of Management, is a
member  of  Minnesota  Society  and  American  Institute  of  Certified  Public
Accountants  and  has  more  than  20  years  of experience in various positions
including  senior  auditor, controller and credit manager, and vice president of
finance  and  operations.  He  has  also  served  as a senior vice president and
president  of  a  privately  held  company.

APA  Optics, Inc. manufactures and markets advanced products for the fiber optic
communications, optoelectronics and laser industries, including Dense Wavelength
Division  Multiplexer  (DWDM),  ultraviolet  (UV)  detectors,  Nitride epitaxial
layers  and  custom optics.  APA's Internet address is http://www.apaoptics.com.
                                                       ------------------------


APA Optics, Inc. Contact Information:
- -------------------------------------

ANIL JAIN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
INFO@APAOPTICS.COM
- ------------------


                                        4