EXHIBIT 23.1

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

      We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
on Form S-8 of Cree Research,  Inc., pertaining to the Cree Research,  Inc. 1999
Employee  Stock Purchase Plan, of our report dated July 23, 1999 with respect to
the consolidated  financial  statements of Cree Research,  Inc.  included in its
Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal  year ended June 27,  1999 filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Raleigh, North Carolina
December 7, 1999