The laser diode is mounted in a small aluminum bracket with wires as shown.  The diode with aluminum mounting bracket is easy to remove from the optical pickup.  The mounting bracket is made of very brittle metal, and can easily be broken in half using two pairs of wire cutters.  Both the violet, and Red/IR laser diodes are in standard 5.6mm metal cases.  See the pictures below for the complete disassembly process.

DrLava's Diode Plot:


See the last picture for the pinout of both laser diodes (bottom view).

The 405 nm laser diode contained in the PHR-803T is well known for being capable of up to 100mW or more.  It is a favorite of Laser Enthusiasts.

The optical pickups also contains many potentially useful optics, and a combination red/IR laser diode.

Use care when handling the diodes to avoid damage from static, reverse voltage, or excessive current.

  Appropriate laser eye protection should also be used.