Exhibit 23 Consent of Independent Public Accountants ----------------------------------------- As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of our reports dated February 11, 1997, included in or incorporated by reference into Thermo Optek Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1996, into the Company's previously filed Registration Statements as follows: Registration Statement No. 333-13757 on Form S-8, Registration Statement No. 333-13759 on Form S-8, and Registration Statement No. 333-13761 on Form S-8. Arthur Andersen LLP Boston, Massachusetts March 17, 1997