EXHIBIT 99.1

NEWS RELEASE


          Newport Corporation to Repurchase 90,000 Shares Common Stock


          IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, March 31, 1997...Newport Corporation (Nasdaq:
NEWP) announced today that its board of directors has authorized a program for
repurchase of up to 90,000 shares, or 1.0%, of Newport's outstanding Common
Stock, to be used for employer equity compensation plans and an employee stock
purchase plan.  The program will be put into effect immediately.

          Repurchases may be made from time to time by the Company in the open
market or in block purchases in compliance with Securities and Exchange
Commission guidelines.  "We believe that the buy-back of our stock is an
attractive opportunity for the Company, a good investment of corporate funds and
in the best interests of our shareholders," stated Robert G. Deuster, Newport's
President and Chief Executive Officer.  As of December 31, 1996, Newport had
$3.4 million in cash and cash equivalents.

          Newport Corporation is a global leader in the design, manufacture and
marketing of high precision components, instruments and integrated systems to
the fiber optic communications, semiconductor equipment, computer peripherals
and scientific research markets.  The company's innovative products enhance
productivity and capabilities of test and measurement and automated assembly for
precision manufacturing, engineering and research applications.  Customers
include Fortune 500 corporations, technology companies and research laboratories
in commercial, academic and government sectors worldwide.

          CONTACT:  Robert C. Hewitt, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of
Newport, 714-253-1405; or Craig A. Parsons of Pondel Parsons & Wilkinson, 310-
207-9300, or Internet:  investor@pondel.com.