9mm laser diode.........I think?

Hi all!
I have found 5 of these lasers. I was hoping I can do something with it...
I think it comes from a old 1980s HP laser printer. On the outer casing there are a part of a description that said "invisible laser radiation."
The dimensions of the copper part is 9mm and the thinner part is 6mm.
Can someone tell me what this is and can I use it for anything.....(Burning, pointer ect) I have been playing with electronics for a long time so building a driver will be easy, if I can get my hands on schematics. I don't know what the board is on witch its mounted, maybe a driver>>
Please advise if I can use this thing?
Thanks.

Hey man,

Some ones asked about the verry same thing
http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/harvesting-laser-diode-laser-printer-45745.html

It should answer all your questions.
Let us know what you end up doing with it! wed love to see.

That's an IR diode. Be careful if ever you decide to use it and get proper goggles for IR lasers.