Exhibit 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) of our report dated February 10, 2000, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements and schedule of Veeco Instruments Inc. included in its
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Melville, New York
November 6, 2000