Applied Physics Institute

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The Applied Physics Institute (API) at Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a multidisciplinary center performing research and development projects in nanoscale physics, material science, nuclear physics, and cyber physical systems.  The API has about 15,000 sq. ft of laboratory and office space in the new building at the WKU Center for Research and Development. In addition, a 10,000 sq ft outdoor facility is available which is licensed for the use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing machines.

Our strengths are in detection of explosives and chemical threats (bulk and trace methods), analytical gas instruments, environmental analysis, radiation detection (active probe and passive methods), cyber defense methods, and critical infrastructure protection applications (based on existing funded projects). The API was researching homeland security issues such as chemical agent detection, explosives detection, radiological and nuclear detection long before the phrase “Homeland Security” was coined. Since its inception, API has been involved in these projects. It continues to be on the cutting edge of Homeland Security science and technology. API faculty members represent four departments of WKU: Physics, Chemistry, Engineering and Mathematics, making our center truly multidisciplinary.