Laser Diode vs "Open" Laser

Hi guys,

What is the difference if any:
I have a pointer with a laser diode module ,the endcap is focusable and the unit is in brass with a small driver pc board attached to the actual diode ,the unit is about 5 mw-10mw.This whole contraption is in a "laser pen".

Then I have a 200 mw pointer this unit is much larger ,it does not seem to be a module like my other unit.The actual diode seems to sit in open air on a brass heatsink,you can actually touch the chip substrate( i didnt).The lens is about half an inch above the open diode and is movable for focussing.Yes it is from china.
Does this differ in a high quality pointer?Is a quality 300mw green laser in "module" form or "open" like this one.
Hope you understand my poor explanation.

Green laser use more then a diode, they use two crystals and some lenses to convert IR light to green. Even the cheapest ones have a driver (small circuit board), and are encased in a brass module.

Your 200mW red is an open can type. It's common in powerful red lasers. But it seems that it doesn't have a driver, which will shorten the life of the diode. Sometimes manufacturers don't install one to reduce the price.

Hi there!
This is fairly common with higher power laser diodes, as they are designed like that for better cooling.
This is nothing to worry about

We laser enthusiasts ourselves use open can diodes in many of our builds!

Are you referring to laser "chip" and die being placed on a piece of brass as opposed to being inside a diode? I've seen a red chip mounted like that as well... Though I'm not sure why it would be done that way.. it must be a cheaper route for the product's engineers to go..

The bare chips are cheap products for chinese pointers ..... the "open can" that we refer are standard 5.6mm diodes, they just don't have the cover+glass part ..... open frame build .....


Edit: i mean, it look this way:

They are generally more powerful and less expensive, but they are more delicate.

This thread is worthless without pictures.