Zero force socket for laser / photodiode alignment

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 during the active alignment of the optical device, the zero insertion force socket comprising:
• multiple radially arranged conductive sleeves, the radial arrangement of the electrical contacts corresponding to the radial arrangement of the optical device leads, the conductive sleeves providing power to the multiple radially arranged optical device leads when the 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 conductive sleeves providing substantially no drag on the optical device leads while the zero insertion force socket is in an open position;
• non-conductive clamp fingers that engage the multiple radially arranged conductive sleeves to secure the multiple radially arranged optical device leads when the zero insertion force socket is in a closed position and disengage the multiple radially arranged conductive sleeves to allow the multiple radially arranged optical device leads to be inserted or removed with substantially no drag when the zero insertion force socket is in an open position;
• and
• a pneumatically controlled air cylinder which changes the zero insertion force socket, and thus the clamp fingers, between the open position and the closed position.

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 during the active alignment of the optical device, the zero insertion force socket comprising:
• multiple conductive radially arranged leaf springs, the radial arrangement of the multiple conductive radially arranged leaf springs corresponding to the radial arrangement of the optical device leads;
• and
• a pneumatically controlled air cylinder which moves a plunger between a forward position and a retracted position, wherein:
• when the plunger is in the forward position the multiple radially arranged conductive leaf springs are spread apart, thereby allowing the multiple radially arranged optical device leads to be inserted or removed with substantially no drag;
• and
• when the plunger is in the retracted position the multiple radially arranged conductive leaf springs contact the multiple radially arranged optical device leads, securing and providing power and/or signals to each of the multiple radially arranged optical device leads.