Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of Coherent, Inc. on Form S-8 of our reports dated October 31, 1995, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Coherent, Inc. for the year ended September 30, 1995. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP ------------------------------ San Jose, California April 26, 1996