Yes, but the problem is, I would need the diode for a couple of reasons...
1. Just to make sure of the fit. Pressed in tolerances are very close.
2. For fitting it to an AixiZ module, I would want to test the ability to get focus.
I have not had much experience with IR builds. I messed around with some IR diodes from Senkat, but never built them into a hand held laser.
I know that they are case positive. And this presents a problem with most drivers. You would have to isolate the heatsink from the host.
Or get a driver that regulates the current through the negative side of the driver. Such as an AMC7135...