Exhibit 23 Consent of Independent Auditors We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-8, No. 333-41090) pertaining to the 1992 Stock Incentive Plan, the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, (Form S-3 No. 333- 46870) pertaining to the registration of 165,000 shares of common stock, and (Form S-3 No. 333-53006) pertaining to the registration of 120,847 shares of common stock, of our report dated January 23, 2001, except for Note 17, as to which the date is February 2, 2001, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Newport Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000. /S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP Orange County, California March 26, 2001