This really, really creeps me out that any kid will be able to pay a few bucks for a device that can blind people in an instant. Diode lasers are comparatively low power and have fairly short coherence distances. Arrays of diode lasers are more likely to be used for things like DVD players than for blinding-light weapons.
Long coherence distance is important for making holograms but not for burning holes in things. VCSEL laser diodes can be fabricated like IC devices, tens of thousands on a wafer.
http://www.lumex.com/new/press_releases/Leddy13.html