Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(b) OR RULE 15d-14(b)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

AND 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

I, Robert G. Deuster, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newport Corporation (the “Company”), certify, pursuant to Rule 13(a)-14(b) or Rule 15(d)-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that (i) the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) the information contained in such Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/S/    ROBERT G. DEUSTER        

Robert G. Deuster

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Newport Corporation and will be retained by Newport Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.