Exhibit 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-3) of Newport Corporation for the registration of 165,000 shares of its common
stock of our report dated January 25, 2000, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements and schedule of Newport Corporation 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

Orange County, CA
September 22, 2000