<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Forms S-8, No. 333-32698) pertaining to the 1989 Stock Option Plan, the 1999
Stock Option Plan and the 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Finisar
Corporation of our report dated May 25, 2000, with respect to the financial
statements of Finisar Corporation included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year ended April 30, 2000.
Our audits also included the financial statement schedule of Finisar
Corporation listed in Item 14(a). This schedule is the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our
audits. In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole,
presents fairly all material respects the information set forth therein.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Palo Alto, California
July 26, 2000
