Small Die-Edge Defects Can Create Direct Shunts Across a Laser Junction

What the evidence preview establishes

Damaged gold contact metallization and fractured die corners near the junction most likely contributed to premature breakdown by creating potential shunt paths across the junction.

Why this case matters

In a premature laser-diode failure, inspect the complete die perimeter and contact edge. Loose metallization, sharp plated projections, and corner fractures can intersect or approach the junction closely enough to create shunt paths without a large catastrophic site.