MAN, Get a razor blade or tiny jewlers screwdriver into that bond line and see, if it pops out we got this, pre drilling depth limited crack lines and popping the bond will make it easier and easier each time.
I could drill a line or cut a line just below the bond line on a solid block and reach in and pop each bond, most of the bloc will be intact.
THAT IS cut 4 little slots on the long side of the block to reach in at the bond line and pop them out.
The cut will be right at the bond line or just below it so a jewlers screwdriver can be used to reach in and POP then loose.
Chopping up the block wont be needed at all. JUST 4 SURGICAL CuTS ON EACH SIDE
REMEMBER TO TAPE ACROSS THOSE WINDOWS!
GRIND A SCREWDRIVER TO A THIN FLAT EDGE
Actually a cut right down the bonding line both sides. Then a medium sized sharpened screwdriver.
One long depth set/limited cut, my table saw with my non ferrous blade set to right depth and fenced cut right down the bond line.
Grind sharp a big screwdriver, forget the tiny one, pop pop pop........ We could even cut pin gaps in the screwdriver to protect the pins from sudden slips when the diodes pop up. SCRATCH THAT, JUST DEPTH LIMIT THE SCREWDRIVER WITH A CLAMP ON STOP.
DEPTH OF CUT AS TO NOT SCUFF DIODE RIM
You already know to clamp the block in a vise while popping them out, with the windows covered.
No heat extraction will add to longevity, this will be good.
WARNING, BEFORE ANYONE STARTS CUTTING, THE MOMENT YOU GET THE BLOCK IN HAND, YOU MUST PROTECT THOSE WINDOWS, THIS IS PARAMOUNT!!!
Tape will bridge the window on the shoulders on the can, but never ever touch that window!!!
In my drawing a little plastic circle can be used, you don't want paper lint on that window, or dust, they must be kept very clean.
The Gballs spread the beam out, the 44 passes a lot of power through a tiny spot and it must be kept clean or that window will burn through, I have learned this the hard way. I really want to get some lenses in front of my Gballs, but I cover even them when not in use for now.