  We perform an experimental investigation of the synthesis of complex
materials using the Laser-diode heated floating zone method (L-FZ). We will
briefly introduce the Infrared-heated floating zone method of bulk crystal
growth and then delve into recent advances in using a Laser-diode heated
floating zone method. We demonstrate L-FZ for the growth of large high-quality
single crystalline samples of of the n=2 Ruddlesden-Popper homologous series
$RE_2SrAl_2O_7$, RE = Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy with physically interesting
properties (e.g spin-ice) as well as the incongruently melting
stuffed-tridymite type oxide $BaCoSiO_4$. We conclude with a summary of the
results and future research directions in automating crystal growth, which will
open access into the synthesis and characterization of previously unstudied
class of materials such as refractory complex oxides and alloys.
