At the First Conference on Diamond and Diamond-like Carbon Coatings in 1990 a new substrate-free diamond powder synthesis method by CO 2-laser-induced pyrolysis of C 2H 4 was presented and homogeneous nucleation as a new reaction pathway for diamond formation established. In the meantime, a wealth of interesting new results were found. Diamond grains with diameters up to several microns (maximum, 18.2 μm) were observed. The mean radial growth rates reached 3000 μm s −1. The particle morphology varied from spherical grains to perfectly faceted and often multiply twinned diamond crystals. The influence of pressure (range 600–2000 mbar) and reactant gas composition (C 2H 4, C 2H 4H 2 and C 2H 4- cis-decahydronaphthalene) on diamond formation and powder characteristics was studied. A hypothetical reaction pathway for the initial steps of homogeneous nucleation of diamond which is consistent with experimental results is briefly discussed. Finally, plans for substantial improvements of the new diamond synthesis method are discussed. For the realization and testing of these plans, partners in university and industrial research who would be interested to participate and support this project are searched for.