The Optical Astronomy and Technology Application Research Division at the Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory, founded in 2012, is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the 1-meter optical telescope and the 1.2-meter quantum communication telescope. Additionally, it handles the coating technology for the Nanshan Optical Telescope at the Nanshan Station. By collaborating with domestic universities and research institutes, the division aims to leverage complementary advantages and share resources, facilitating the construction and operation of a small telescope observation group. Furthermore, several sets of astronomical observation equipment, such as the "Lunar flash" telescope and the 50 cm diffraction limit telescope, have been built at the Muztagh Station.

The research division includes several research groups:

1. Star Clusters and Galaxies Research Group

2. Variable Stars Research Group

3. Optical Astronomy Technology Research Group

Our research interests focus on:

1. Star clusters and neighboring galaxies

2. Binary stars and pulsating variable stars

3. Optical time-domain astronomy

4. Transients

5. Asteroids and Exo-planetary science

We also conduct applied astronomical research in space target and debris early warning, quantum communication, and optical astronomy site selection, providing strong technical support for China's deep space exploration.