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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement
of HMT Technology Corporation on Form S-3 (File No. 333-24385) of our report
dated April 22, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and
financial statement schedule of HMT Technology Corporation and its subsidiary as
of March 31, 1997 and 1996, and for the years ended March 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


                                                        COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

San Jose, California
June 27, 1997