Exhibit 23.2

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Veeco Instruments
Inc. for the registration of $220,000,000 4 1/8% convertible subordinated notes
due 2008 and 9,756,919 shares of common stock and to the incorporation by
reference therein of our report dated February 7, 2002, 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, 2001,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Melville, New York
April 26, 2002