Patent ID: 7686521

Claim:
A socket for use in actively aligning an optical device, the socket comprising: a zero insertion force socket that can be repeatedly changed between an open position for insertion and removal of multiple radially arranged optical device leads and a closed position for securing and providing power to the multiple radially arranged optical device leads, the zero insertion force socket comprising: one or more radially arranged electrical contacts, the radial arrangement of the electrical contacts corresponding to the radial arrangement of the optical device leads, the electrical contact(s) providing power to the optical device leads when the multiple radially arranged optical device leads are inserted into the zero insertion force socket and the zero insertion force socket is in a closed position, the multiple radially arranged electrical contact(s) providing substantially no drag on the multiple radially arranged optical device leads while the zero insertion force socket is in an open position; means for placing the socket in a closed position and thereby securing the optical device leads; and means for placing the socket in an open position such that the optical device leads can be inserted or removed with substantially no drag.