I estimated that the pulse duration would equal roughly 100 mm in propagation distance, so I have sort of figured out that I might have to solder the Emitter (..or whichwever pin the output comes from) straight onto the laser with a minimum of wire length. Hopefully the laser does not cook at the same time.

Those references from ccurtis look good, they both have sub-nanosecond pulse generators in them and good construction and layout tips, cover issues with probes and all.

Hope you have access to a real kick-ass scope, you are going to need it!

Short pulse durations are very common in laser applications, but normally they are achieved through optical mode-locking techniques etc. You can also buy a very expensive pulse generator and drive diode lasers directly, but I prefer to make my own.

That optical mode-locking thing can get down into the femtosecond range. Seems like an electronic technique ought to be able to get down into the picosecond range, though.

I think you are going to need that laser held pretty close to the conduction point. This short pulse isn't going to transfer much charge.