EXHIBIT 23.1

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the  Registration  Statements
of Cree Research,  Inc. on Forms S-8 (No.  33-98956 and No. 33-98958) and Form
S-3 (No.  33-98728)  of our  report  dated July 23,  1999 with  respect to the
consolidated  financial  statements of Cree  Research,  Inc. and  subsidiaries
included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 27, 1999.

Ernst & Young LLP

Raleigh, North Carolina
August 11, 1999