Exhibit 5.1

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Professional Corporation   650 Page Mill Road
Palo Alto, California 94304-1050   o: 650.493.9300
F: 650.493.6811

June 21, 2021

Coherent, Inc.
5100 Patrick Henry Drive
Santa Clara, CA 95056

Re: Registration Statement on Form S-8

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed by you with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about the date hereof (the “Registration Statement”) in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), of 250,000 shares of your common stock (the “Shares”) to be issued under the Coherent, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”). As your legal counsel, we have reviewed the actions proposed to be taken by you in connection with the issuance and sale of the Shares to be issued under the Plan.

It is our opinion that the Shares, when issued and sold in the manner referred to in the Plan and the agreements which accompany the Plan, will be legally and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, and further consent to the use of our name wherever appearing in the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.

Very truly yours,

WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI

Professional Corporation

/s/ Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

austin           beijing           boston           brussels           hong kong           london           los angeles           new york
palo alto
san diego           san francisco           seattle           shanghai           washington, dc           wilmington, de