content: SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
  
                               Washington, D.C.  20549
  
                     ___________________________________________
  
  
                                      FORM 8-K
  
                                   CURRENT REPORT
  
  
  
                         Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                         the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
  
  
  
                                   Date of Report
                         (Date of earliest event reported):
  
                                    July 15, 1997
  
                      ________________________________________
  
  
                              THERMO OPTEK CORPORATION
               (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
  
  
     Delaware                        1-11757                          04-3283973
     (State or other               (Commission                  (I.R.S. Employer
     jurisdiction of               File Number)           Identification Number)
     incorporation or
     organization)
  
  
     8E Forge Parkway
     Franklin, Massachusetts                                               02038
     (Address of principal executive offices)                         (Zip Code)
  
  
                                   (617) 622-1000
                           (Registrant's telephone number
                                including area code)
  PAGE
  <PAGE>
  
  
  
  
     Item 5.  Other Events
              ------------
  
             On July 15, 1997, Thermo Optek Corporation (the "Company") issued a
     press release, attached hereto as Exhibit 99, to announce that it had
     agreed in principle to purchase Spectronic Instruments, Inc. and VG Systems
     Limited from Thermo Instruments Systems Inc., the Company's parent
     corporation, for approximately $41 million and $49 million, respectively,
     subject to post-closing adjustments.
  
     Item 7.  Financial Statements, Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial
              ------------------------------------------------------------
              Information and Exhibits
              ------------------------
  
              (a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired: not applicable.
  
              (b) Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial Information: not
                  applicable.
  
              (c) Exhibits
  
                  99  Press Release of the Company, dated July 15, 1997
  
  
  
                                 SIGNATURES
  
  
  
          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
     the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
     the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, on this 21st day of July 1997.
  
  
  
                                               THERMO OPTEK CORPORATION
  
  
                                               By: /s/ Melissa F. Riordan
                                                   ----------------------
                                                   Melissa F. Riordan
                                                   Treasurer
  
  
  
     AA972020034
  PAGE
  <PAGE>
  
  
  
  
                                                                 EXHIBIT 99
                                                                 ----------
  
     Investor Contact: 617-622-1111
     Media Contact: 617-622-1252
  
      THERMO OPTEK PLANS TO ACQUIRE SPECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS AND VG SYSTEMS FROM
                              THERMO INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS
  
     WALTHAM, Mass., July 15, 1997 -- Thermo Optek Corporation (ASE-TOC)
     announced today that the boards of directors of Thermo Optek and Thermo
     Instrument Systems Inc. (ASE-THI) have agreed in principle on the sale of
     Spectronic Instruments, Inc. and VG Systems Limited to Thermo Optek for
     approximately $41 million and $49 million, respectively, subject to
  
     post-closing adjustments. The purchase price for the transactions will be
     paid in a combination of cash, the assumption of debt, and/or the issuance
     of Thermo Optek common stock. Spectronic Instruments is a wholly owned
     subsidiary of Life Sciences International, which was acquired in March 1997
     by Thermo Instrument, the majority owner of Thermo Optek. VG Systems is a
     wholly owned subsidiary of Thermo Instrument and was acquired in March 1996
     as part of Thermo Instrument's acquisition of certain businesses within the
     Scientific Instruments Division of Fisons plc.
  
          Spectronic Instruments is a supplier of UV/Vis spectrophotometers and
     accessories, fluorescence instruments, and precision-ruled and holographic
     gratings for industrial and educational markets worldwide. Based in
  
     Rochester, New York, the company has a distinguished history dating back to
     the 1950s with the development of the first easy-to-use, low-cost
     spectrophotometer, the Spectronic 20. This product later became the
     industry standard for spectrophotometry. The company's Richardson Grating
     Laboratory operation is a leading supplier of ruled gratings to the
     analytical instrument and astronomical telescope markets. Spectronic
     reported 1996 revenues of $30 million.
  
          VG Systems Limited manufactures instrumentation and equipment for
     material and surface science analysis. This U.K.-based company consists of
     four major operating divisions: VG Scientific (analytical instruments for
     elemental, chemical, and spatial analysis), VG Semicon (molecular beam
     epitaxy systems for semiconductor production), VG Microtech
  
     (ultrahigh-vacuum surface science instruments), and Vacuum Generators
     (vacuum components and systems). In addition to these four divisions, VG
     Systems also encompasses VG Broadcast, a small division that supplies
     teletext systems for closed- caption television applications. VG Systems
     reported 1996 revenues of $62 million.
  
          "We are excited about the potential of both of these acquisitions and
     want to welcome our new employees to the Thermo Optek family," said Dr.
     Robert J. Rosenthal, president and chief operating officer of Thermo Optek.
     "The acquisition of Spectronic Instruments is an important step in
     expanding our presence in the field of ultraviolet/visible spectrometry, as
     well as enhancing our molecular spectroscopy product offerings. VG Systems
  
     strengthens our position in the materials science market, particularly in
     the production of semiconductor thin films. With this acquisition, we will
     establish materials science as a separate division alongside our molecular,
     elemental liquids, elemental solids, and photonics operations."
  PAGE
  <PAGE>
  
  
  
  
  
          These transactions are subject to several conditions, including
     completion by Thermo Optek of its due diligence investigations and the
     negotiation of a mutually satisfactory definitive agreement. Due to Thermo
     Optek's majority ownership by Thermo Instrument Systems, for accounting
     purposes, after the execution of a definitive agreement, the Spectronic
     Instruments acquisition will be deemed effective as of March 12, 1997, and
     the VG Systems acquisition will be deemed effective as of March 29, 1996,
     the dates that Thermo Instrument Systems purchased these companies. 
  
          Thermo Optek Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development,
     manufacture, and marketing of analytical instruments that utilize a range
     of optical spectroscopy techniques. These instruments are used in the
  
     quantitative and qualitative chemical analysis of elements and molecular
     compounds in a wide variety of solids, liquids, and gases. Thermo Optek is
     a subsidiary of Thermo Instrument Systems Inc., a Thermo Electron company.
     More information is available at http://www.thermo.com/subsid/toc.html on
     the Internet.
  
     This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a
     number of risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause
     actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such
     forward-looking statements are set forth under the caption "Forward-looking
     Statements" in Exhibit 13 to the company's annual report on Form 10-K for
     the year ended December 28, 1996. These include uncertainties relating to
  
     competition, technological change and new-product development; intellectual
     property rights and litigation; dependence on certain key industries and
     uncertainties associated with governmental regulation of such industries;
     and risks associated with the company's acquisition strategy and
     international operations.
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text: SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
  
                               Washington, D.C.  20549
  
                     ___________________________________________
  
                                      FORM 8-K
  
                                   CURRENT REPORT
  
                         Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                         the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
  
                                   Date of Report
                         (Date of earliest event reported):
  
                                    July 15, 1997
  
                      ________________________________________
  
                              THERMO OPTEK CORPORATION
               (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
  
     Delaware                        1-11757                          04-3283973
     (State or other               (Commission                  (I.R.S. Employer
     jurisdiction of               File Number)           Identification Number)
     incorporation or
     organization)
  
     8E Forge Parkway
     Franklin, Massachusetts                                               02038
     (Address of principal executive offices)                         (Zip Code)
  
                                   (617) 622-1000
                           (Registrant's telephone number
                                including area code)
  PAGE
  Item 5.  Other Events
              ------------
  
             On July 15, 1997, Thermo Optek Corporation (the "Company") issued a
     press release, attached hereto as Exhibit 99, to announce that it had
     agreed in principle to purchase Spectronic Instruments, Inc. and VG Systems
     Limited from Thermo Instruments Systems Inc., the Company's parent
     corporation, for approximately $41 million and $49 million, respectively,
     subject to post-closing adjustments.
  
     Item 7.  Financial Statements, Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial
              ------------------------------------------------------------
              Information and Exhibits
              ------------------------
  
              (a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired: not applicable.
  
              (b) Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial Information: not
                  applicable.
  
              (c) Exhibits
  
                  99  Press Release of the Company, dated July 15, 1997
  
                                 SIGNATURES
  
          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
     the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
     the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, on this 21st day of July 1997.
  
                                               THERMO OPTEK CORPORATION
  
                                               By: /s/ Melissa F. Riordan
                                                   ----------------------
                                                   Melissa F. Riordan
                                                   Treasurer
  
     AA972020034
  PAGE
  EXHIBIT 99
                                                                 ----------
  
     Investor Contact: 617-622-1111
     Media Contact: 617-622-1252
  
      THERMO OPTEK PLANS TO ACQUIRE SPECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS AND VG SYSTEMS FROM
                              THERMO INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS
  
     WALTHAM, Mass., July 15, 1997 -- Thermo Optek Corporation (ASE-TOC)
     announced today that the boards of directors of Thermo Optek and Thermo
     Instrument Systems Inc. (ASE-THI) have agreed in principle on the sale of
     Spectronic Instruments, Inc. and VG Systems Limited to Thermo Optek for
     approximately $41 million and $49 million, respectively, subject to
  
     post-closing adjustments. The purchase price for the transactions will be
     paid in a combination of cash, the assumption of debt, and/or the issuance
     of Thermo Optek common stock. Spectronic Instruments is a wholly owned
     subsidiary of Life Sciences International, which was acquired in March 1997
     by Thermo Instrument, the majority owner of Thermo Optek. VG Systems is a
     wholly owned subsidiary of Thermo Instrument and was acquired in March 1996
     as part of Thermo Instrument's acquisition of certain businesses within the
     Scientific Instruments Division of Fisons plc.
  
          Spectronic Instruments is a supplier of UV/Vis spectrophotometers and
     accessories, fluorescence instruments, and precision-ruled and holographic
     gratings for industrial and educational markets worldwide. Based in
  
     Rochester, New York, the company has a distinguished history dating back to
     the 1950s with the development of the first easy-to-use, low-cost
     spectrophotometer, the Spectronic 20. This product later became the
     industry standard for spectrophotometry. The company's Richardson Grating
     Laboratory operation is a leading supplier of ruled gratings to the
     analytical instrument and astronomical telescope markets. Spectronic
     reported 1996 revenues of $30 million.
  
          VG Systems Limited manufactures instrumentation and equipment for
     material and surface science analysis. This U.K.-based company consists of
     four major operating divisions: VG Scientific (analytical instruments for
     elemental, chemical, and spatial analysis), VG Semicon (molecular beam
     epitaxy systems for semiconductor production), VG Microtech
  
     (ultrahigh-vacuum surface science instruments), and Vacuum Generators
     (vacuum components and systems). In addition to these four divisions, VG
     Systems also encompasses VG Broadcast, a small division that supplies
     teletext systems for closed- caption television applications. VG Systems
     reported 1996 revenues of $62 million.
  
          "We are excited about the potential of both of these acquisitions and
     want to welcome our new employees to the Thermo Optek family," said Dr.
     Robert J. Rosenthal, president and chief operating officer of Thermo Optek.
     "The acquisition of Spectronic Instruments is an important step in
     expanding our presence in the field of ultraviolet/visible spectrometry, as
     well as enhancing our molecular spectroscopy product offerings. VG Systems
  
     strengthens our position in the materials science market, particularly in
     the production of semiconductor thin films. With this acquisition, we will
     establish materials science as a separate division alongside our molecular,
     elemental liquids, elemental solids, and photonics operations."
  PAGE
  These transactions are subject to several conditions, including
     completion by Thermo Optek of its due diligence investigations and the
     negotiation of a mutually satisfactory definitive agreement. Due to Thermo
     Optek's majority ownership by Thermo Instrument Systems, for accounting
     purposes, after the execution of a definitive agreement, the Spectronic
     Instruments acquisition will be deemed effective as of March 12, 1997, and
     the VG Systems acquisition will be deemed effective as of March 29, 1996,
     the dates that Thermo Instrument Systems purchased these companies. 
  
          Thermo Optek Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development,
     manufacture, and marketing of analytical instruments that utilize a range
     of optical spectroscopy techniques. These instruments are used in the
  
     quantitative and qualitative chemical analysis of elements and molecular
     compounds in a wide variety of solids, liquids, and gases. Thermo Optek is
     a subsidiary of Thermo Instrument Systems Inc., a Thermo Electron company.
     More information is available at http://www.thermo.com/subsid/toc.html on
     the Internet.
  
     This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a
     number of risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause
     actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such
     forward-looking statements are set forth under the caption "Forward-looking
     Statements" in Exhibit 13 to the company's annual report on Form 10-K for
     the year ended December 28, 1996. These include uncertainties relating to
  
     competition, technological change and new-product development; intellectual
     property rights and litigation; dependence on certain key industries and
     uncertainties associated with governmental regulation of such industries;
     and risks associated with the company's acquisition strategy and
     international operations.