Meadowlark Optics invests in CU Boulder’s Quantum Scholars

 

In a recent gift to the Quantum Scholars program, local optics company Meadowlark Optics is generously supporting $70,000 in scholarships for undergraduates exploring the quantum field at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Created through a partnership between the Department of Physics and the College of Engineering and Applied Science, Quantum Scholars provides students with scholarship support, talks by prominent quantum scientists and industry leaders, professional development opportunities, and connections to employment and internships.

The financial support from Meadowlark Optics comes at a critical time for Quantum Scholars, which has quickly grown to meet student demand since its inception three years ago. Over 150 students are in the program this spring with about half receiving scholarships sponsored by alumni, industry partners and external organizations.

Meadowlark’s roots

Founded by alumnus Tom Baur (MS,Astrogeophys’69), Meadowlark’s history traces back to humble beginnings. Baur hadn’t exactly planned on being an entrepreneur. 

While measuring magnetic fields on the sun at the High Altitude Observatory (HAO) as part of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), Baur developed several product ideas. He soon decided to go commercial. Baur explains “I had run out of challenges at HAO and it was time for a new chapter.” 

With no prior business experience besides farming and ranching, Baur launched the company in 1979 – first out of his home, then later expanding to the barn and chicken coop.

Nearly 47 years later, Meadowlark Optics has expanded several times over. The company recently acquired Boulder Nonlinear Systems and added a state-of-the-art facility to their headquarters in Frederick, Colorado. Baur says his wife, Jeanne, was instrumental in developing the 80-acre business park where Meadowlark operates.

An industry leader in polarization systems, Meadowlark Optics supports a number of fields including the rapidly growing quantum industry. Described as a “pick-and-shovels” company, they design and manufacture many of the optical components that quantum companies use to develop advanced quantum systems.

Supporting the next generation of quantum leaders

As the founder of Meadowlark Optics and a CU Boulder graduate school alumnus, Tom and his wife Jeanne Baur have supported several initiatives at the university. 

In 2020, the Baurs partnered with SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, to establish an endowed chair in optics and photonics, currently held by Cindy Regal, professor of physics and JILA fellow.

Tom Baur has also served on the Department of Physics Advisory Board for the last several years, providing advice and valuable connections to the department. Thanks in large part to his advocacy, the department has forged stronger connections with industry partners through the advisory board and by establishing an annual Physics and Quantum Career & Internship Fair.

He recalls hearing about Quantum Scholars from Mike Ritzwoller, professor of distinction and co-founder of Quantum Scholars, about the quality of students in the program and how well-received it has been.

“It seemed like a good program to support,” said Tom Baur. “At Meadowlark Optics, we’ve hired a number of graduates from CU Boulder over the years, so it made sense as a company to support CU in a manner that helps them continue to lead the nation in quantum research.” 

Tom Baur talks with a student at the 2025 Physics and Quantum Career & Internship Fair.

Supporting the emerging workforce is key to strengthening the growing quantum industry and related businesses. Tom Baur adds, “there’s a real need for students at the bachelor’s level to support cutting-edge research in this field.”

The Baurs and Meadowlark Optics have made a lasting impact on the Quantum Scholars program. “The program’s success owes a great deal to their generosity and to the steadfast support of Meadowlark Optics,” says Ritzwoller. “The program thrives because of friends like the Baurs, whose dedication and belief in our students make all the difference.” 

The Baurs were particularly moved by a scholar’s experience struggling to maintain good grades while working a second job. They hope Meadowlark Optics’ gift to Quantum Scholars will support and encourage students, allowing them to focus on their studies as much as possible. 

And every little bit helps. Hoping the contribution from Meadowlark Optics will inspire others to donate, Jeanne Baur adds, “it doesn’t have to be a big gift to make an impact.”