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.
Amended and Restated Equity Compensation 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