ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


                                                            Exhibit 23(b)


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


             As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
        incorporation by reference in this registration statement on Form
        S-8 for the Thermo Optek Corporation Equity Incentive Plan of our
        reports dated April 10, 1996 and April 12, 1996 included in
        Thermo Optek Corporation's registration statement No. 333-03630
        on Form S-1 and to all references to our Firm included in this
        registration statement.


                                           /s/Arthur Andersen LLP


        Boston, Massachusetts
        October 4, 1996