Yes...
ALL Red diodes can be destroyed from back-reflection
I have not found one that couldnt..
You must be very careful during alignment or just playing around as it
is very easy to reflect some light back in an destroy the diode.
It is very unlikely that the diode will just die.. but that does happen too.
But we cant rule out static discharges and improper focusing techniques.
In returns that we get, It is very hard to tell if back-reflection actually was the cause of the damage.. thats why we use a very expensive microscope.
That way we can see if the facet was damaged.
Since we do not have a warranty on them because of the low price and because of the nature of laser devices and their use-
We must charge for a diode refit after a unit has been out in the field for some time..its just cheaper that way.
Otherwise the prices would be double to justify a warranty.
"My signature has been taken, so Insert another here"
http://repairfaq.ece.drexel.edu/sam/laserfaq.htm
*^_^* aka PhiloUHF