The pillar / module is glued very well so i could not open it easily. After it failed i did cut off the back end and extract the parts. I would like to order a new diode and play around with focusing (and heatsinking) but I’ve kinda lost interest for a few reasons - time , cost , no guarantee i can make it comparable to existing LEP flashlights , danger of playing with high power laser.
I stuck a 5050 round die led in the 1504 host and got far better results than with the LEP module. It was cheap and easy so i think i’ll stick with that.