Pulled leg off my diode - replacement?!?

I pulled the leg off of my favorite green pointer today. I bought this thing way back, about 10 years ago. (maybe 8 years) and it was not cheap at the time. It was sold to me as being 40mw. It was definitely stronger than the other green pointer I had at the time which was sold to me as 10mw.

Can I replace the diode and use the crystals and everything else?
-edit- I've just read a lot about the DX lasers, as well as looked up the prices for 808nm diodes. The dx are much cheaper than just a diode. so.. should I just get a DX and take its diode.
is there a difference between the TRU-30 and the 50mw dx's? (or should I say, is the diode different.. and to take it further, is the diode different in any of them - 5mw, 20mw 50mw, etc)
Im guessing they had to save money somewhere, so maybe my old laser has better lenses and crystals.

If you're wondering how I did it, I was just reading about increasing the power by rotating the diode to check for optimum alignment. I figured after all these years it might be a good idea. Only problem is I busted the leg off while loosening the ring that holds the diode in place.

Don't quote me on this, but I think True 50mW and up use a 500mW pump diode and anything under that uses a 200mW diode.

I've looked at a lot of photos of the DX lasers, and looked more closely at mine. I've got larger crystals and glass lenses in my laser. I've never had any beam artifacts or focus problems. I would like to just replace the diode.

Are there an inexpensive sources for 808nm diodes?

Also, I'm not sure if my driver is for 200 or 500 mw. What kind of load should I use to test it?

It actually looks like you just ripped out the photodiode + pin, so depending on how the driver works it may still work. All you need is the laser diode anode, and the case ground. Both which appear to be intact from your picture. Have you tried just putting it back together with the two pins?

I did. Unfortunately, I poked around on it a bit too much trying to get it to light, and in the process definitely broke the little wires connecting to the emitter.
So... perhaps the driver wouldn't work w/out feedback? not sure. But I definitely broke the diode now. (I was working on it by looking through a camera, so in case it did light, I'd be able to see it.. That didn't help the situation when working w/ such little parts)
Live and learn, I guess. It's a mistake I won't make again!
I only hope I can find a suitable diode to replace this one!!!!

I've really got the 'feeling' it's only 200mw', but it's also 9mm. I can't find any diodes w/ those specs. The pen couldn't burn things. I could barely feel it on my skin after holding it there for several seconds. The pen was $300.00 new, and it does have what appears to be very good optics/crystals. I'd imagine the diodes themselves, tho, have improved significantly over the past 10 years.

Would photos of the driver mean anything to you more experienced people?
I'm finding very little about green drivers here. I've read a lot about making my own 30-300ma driver, but if I do put a 500mw diode in this pen, I'll need a driver capable of something like 700ma (I think)

Just in case driver photos would tell someone here what power it can drive, I'll attach a couple.
At this point, I'm not opposed to replacing the stock driver when I get a new diode, but don't know where to get one. (unless salvaging the parts out of a DXtru50 really is a good idea...)

Thanks again.

I say the true 50 is the best bet. I can confirm that it is indeed a 9mm diode inside, and that it is most likely a 500mW. Who knows, since your laser may have nice crystals, it may have been only the pump diode or even just the current level holding the power back! I would measure the current on your true 50 when it comes, then adjust the pot on your driver to match that current level and you should be set. Good luck! I've taken apart quite a few DX greenies so if you have any questions dont hesitate to ask.

Since you removed the diode, you're gonna have lots of problems aligning the new diode with the crystals.

I can never get more than 15% efficiency out, even if i just take the diode out and put it back in.. Usually, the power is at least halved.

You would also need IR protection goggles for aligning. It's not as easy as sticking a new diode in.