an assessment of fusion cast polycrystalline calcium fluoride for optical components of 1.064 micrometer pulsed laser fusion systems is presented. task areas include casting of essentially stress-free 33 centimeter diameter, 5 centimeter thick ingots, developing surface finishing techniques for optically figured plane and spherical surfaces, and evaluating state-of-the-art antireflection coatings deposited onto specimens of the cast material. one full-size casting was completed. furnace modifications made after the previous casting lowered the residual stresses and produced a crack-free, although strained, ingot. the upper portion of the ingot contained trapped bubbles and pores from too rapid solidification. further modifications of the furnace and crucible were made on the basis of this run and substantially improved 15-centimeter ingots apparently free of included defects were cast (for another program). these ingots were strained, but a furnace power supply failure produced contributory temperature gradients. a repeat of this casting to provide 15-centimeter specimens for surface finishing and annealing studies for this program is in progress. a second furnace has been committed to the casting program and construction of the necessary flanges and crucible has begun. (era citation 02:038035)