<PAGE>
Exhibit 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned, in the capacities relative to Veeco Instruments Inc. ("Veeco")
stated below, hereby appoints Edward H. Braun, John F. Rein, Jr. and Gregory A.
Robbins, and each of them acting individually, his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, to sign and file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (a) a Registration Statement on Form S-8
relating to the issuance of shares of common stock of Veeco upon the exercise of
stock options granted under Veeco's 2000 Stock Option Plan for Non-Officer
Employees and (b) any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments,
to such Registration Statement.
In witness whereof, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of
November 7, 2000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURES CAPACITY
<S> <C>
/s/ Edward H. Braun Director, Chairman, Chief Executive
----------------------------------- Officer and President (principal executive
Edward H. Braun officer)
/s/ Richard A. D'Amore
-----------------------------------
Richard A. D'Amore Director
/s/ Joel A. Elftmann
-----------------------------------
Joel A. Elftmann Director
/s/ Heinz K. Fridrich
-----------------------------------
Heinz K. Fridrich Director
/s/ Douglas A. Kingsley
-----------------------------------
Douglas A. Kingsley Director
/s/ Dr. Paul R. Low
-----------------------------------
Dr. Paul R. Low Director
/s/ Roger D. McDaniel
-----------------------------------
Roger D. McDaniel Director
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
-----------------------------------
Irwin H. Pfister Director
/s/ Walter J. Scherr
-----------------------------------
Walter J. Scherr Director
</TABLE>
