<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Coherent, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated November 1, 1999 included in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Coherent, Inc. for the year ended October 2, 1999,
and to the use of our report dated November 1, 1999 appearing in the Prospectus,
which is part of this Registration Statement. We also consent to the references
to us under the headings "Selected Consolidated Financial Data" and "Experts" in
such Prospectus.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
San Jose, California
June 13, 2000