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