Electro Static Discharge concerns

Im ready to solder my XJ-A140 diode to my driver board. I see ESD warning stuff all over the place. How serious is ESD, and what are some methods that would limit my risk of frying a diode?

How many megawatts does that diode output if it needs a heatsink that big??

Also, I'd recommend moving the module back further into the heatsink so the main part the diode is pressed into makes contact, it'll have very poor thermal conductivity how you have it in that picture.

Usually touching something grounded before you start is sufficient. Touch your computer case, touch the diode heatsink (NOT the leads), then do the soldering.

Thank you! You've resolved my worries. And Yes, I'll sink that module a little deeper once I get the diode pressed into the housing and soldered to the driver. As far as power... it should be in the 1.5W ball park. I picked that heatsink cause I thought it looked cool, eaven when the laser is'nt fireing. Most people won't get to see it fired. Accept in recorded video.

the blue diodes are the toughest diodes out of the bunch i reckon, as long as your not rubbing your nylon pj's on the carpet or rubbing balloons on your head you should be fine

Wonderful.... Ya'll have certainly set my mind at ease. Thank all of you very much!

I'd be more concerned about the fact that the heatsink you're using will do absolutely fck-all in terms of, you know, actually sinking heat.

In drilling the hole for the AixiZ module, you've punctured all 3 heatpipes. The heatpipes have a coolant in them (usually water or another liquid) at low pressure to transfer heat from the base into the fins. If you puncture them, they won't work.

So, basically what you've done is remove their ability to transfer heat into the fins. Leaving you with just the thermal mass of the aluminium base as a heatsink. The fins won't be doing anything, because the heat can't get up there (apart from the almost-negligible conduction the walls of the heatpipes provide).

If in doubt, touch a large metal surface like your desk, your computer, etc. to spread out your charge. Some houses are more static prone than others. I remember my old office had tons of static electricity and I fried a motherboard one time. This house... never been an issue.

Poor heatpipes.