Anything salvageable from HP dvd1035 drive?

Oh, OK. So you're saying the LD emits light in all directions, and that hole in the lens module "limits" the usable light into the direction of the lens? So by opening up the hole, more light gets into the lens and can be used and focused?

Something along those lines? I guess that makes sense.

That is pretty much how I understand it. Maybe not in all directions, but it certainly isn't a beam.