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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
              CONSENT OF ERNST AND YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 Nos. 33-99648 and 333-35801) pertaining to the 1995 Stock Option/Stock
Issuance Plan and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and in the Registration
Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-24275) of Intevac, Inc. of our report dated January
16, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of
Intevac, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1997.
 
                                                          /s/  ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
San Jose, California
March 6, 1998