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 5, 2001, 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, 2000, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Melville, New York
August 1, 2001