Exhibit 10.50
                                                                   -------------



                                              November 17, 2005


Marijn E. Dekkers
President and CEO
Thermo Electron Corporation
81 Wyman Street
Waltham, MA 02454

Dear Marijn:

     This letter confirms our agreement as to the following:

     That,  in order to  comply  with the  proposed  regulations  issued  by the
Internal  Revenue Service and the Treasury  Department under Section 409A of the
Internal  Revenue  Code,  notwithstanding  any provision to the contrary in your
Amended & Restated Employment Agreement (the "Agreement"),  in the event of your
Termination due to Disability,  Termination for Cause, Termination without Cause
or for Good Reason,  or  Termination  upon  expiration of the Term, all payments
owing to you  under the  Agreement  by the  Company  shall be made to you by the
Company in a lump sum within thirty days of such Termination.


                                              Very truly yours,



                                              /s/ Elaine S. Ullian
                                              ----------------------------
                                              Elaine S. Ullian
                                              Chair
                                              Thermo Electron Corporation
                                              Compensation Committee


ACCEPTED AND AGREED:

By:   /s/ Marijn E. Dekkers
      -----------------------------
      Marijn E. Dekkers