Abstract:
A flexure and package including the same are provided. In one embodiment, the flexure is coupled to a second optical element and a substrate to maintain the second optical element in alignment with a first optical element. The flexure comprises a body, a pair of front and back legs. The attachment of the rear legs to the substrate causes the flexure to move from a first flexure position to a second flexure position, the distance between the first flexure position and the second flexure position equaling an offset distance. A specified length of the body is chosen such that the offset distance causes a second offset distance of the second optical component held by the flexure, and this second offset distance is within a specified range. The second offset distance is equal to the difference between a primary second optical component position and a secondary second optical component position.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation in part of the following U.S. patent applications: “OPTOELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING THE SAME”, application number 09/390,945, filed Sep. 7, 1999 and “OPTICAL ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY HAVING A FLEXURE FOR MAINTAINING ALIGNMENT BETWEEN OPTICAL ELEMENTS”, application number 09/229,395, filed Jan. 11, 1999. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to optoelectronic assemblies having optical components, and more particularly, to a flexure having a specified length to support and align optical components. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Sealed packages are necessary to contain, protect, and couple to optical fibers and electrically connect optoelectronic components. Optoelectronics packaging is one of the most difficult and costly operations in optoelectronics manufacturing. Optoelectronic packages provide submicron alignment between optical elements, high-speed electrical connections, excellent heat dissipation, and high reliability. Providing such feature has resulted in optoelectronic packages that are larger, costlier, and more difficult to manufacture than electronic packages. In addition, current designs of optoelectronic packages and associated fabrication processes are ill adapted for automation because today&#39;s high-performance butterfly packages are characterized by a large multiplicity of mechanical parts (submount, brackets, ferrules, etc.), three-dimensional (3D) alignment requirements, and poor mechanical accessibility. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,444 by Janssen discloses optically coupling optical fibers to injection lasers. The end of an optical fiber is held in alignment with an injection laser by securing the fiber to an elongate support member whose end nearer the injection laser is then laser beam welded to a pair of slide members that had been previously secured by laser beam welding to leave a precisely dimensioned small gap between the support and slide members. The end of the support member remote from the injection laser is secured by laser beam welding to a plastically deformable saddle. No pressure is applied to the elongated support member or saddle, and the arms and feet of the saddle do not spread apart as the fiber is secured and aligned. In addition, the fiber is aligned before the end of the support member is welded to the plastically deformable saddle. Accordingly, this method does not allow for flexibility in adjusting the vertical height of the fiber after the support member is welded to the saddle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,555 by Shimaoka discloses an optical coupling technique as well as a lens holder. The optical coupling apparatus includes a light emitting diode, a lens, an optical isolator, and an optical fiber disposed on a common optical axis. The individual optical elements are roughly adjusted in the respective positions and fixed. Then, a precise and final adjustment is effectuated by plastically deforming a portion of a holder for supporting the lens or the optical isolator and/or by adjusting inclination of the holder. However, the lens holder is secured without any application of pressure on the lens holder that would allow for flexibility in adjusting the vertical height of the lens after the lens holder has been secured. In addition, this apparatus uses numerous parts in complex three-dimensional arrangements and are unsuitable for automated assembly. 
     U.S. Patent No. 5,619,609 by Pan discloses an improved clip for supporting an end of an optical fiber relative to a mount surface. A sleeve is disposed over the optical fiber adjacent to its end. The clip comprises a clip body with an upper and lower surface, with a flange disposed adjacent to the lower surface. The flange is affixable to the mount surface, and walls extend from the upper surface of the body to define a channel at which the clip is affixable about the sleeve. When the sleeve is affixed within the channel, the body rigidly couples the sleeve to the flange, thereby avoiding misalignment between the optical fiber and any optical device which is on or supported by the mount surface. Accordingly, this does not allow for flexibility in adjusting the vertical height of the fiber when aligning the fiber with any optical device supported by the mount surface. 
     Embodiments of the present invention overcome the limitations of the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, a flexure and package including the same are described. In one embodiment, the flexure is part of a package that includes a substrate, a first optical element, and a second optical element. The flexure is coupled to the second optical element and the substrate to maintain the second optical element in alignment with the first optical element. The flexure comprises a body, a pair of front legs, and a pair of back legs. The attachment of the rear legs to the substrate causes the flexure to move from a first flexure position to a second flexure position, the distance between the first flexure position and the second flexure position equaling an offset distance. A specified length of the body is chosen such that the offset distance causes a second offset distance of the second optical component held by the flexure, and this second offset distance is within a specified range. The second offset distance is equal to the difference between a primary second optical component position and a secondary second optical component position. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various embodiments of the invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention to the specific embodiments, but are for explanation and understanding only. 
     FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an optoelectronic package; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 5 a  illustrates one embodiment of a slot; 
     FIG. 5 b  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a slot; 
     FIG. 5 c  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a slot; 
     FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 24 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 25 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 26 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 27 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure; 
     FIG. 28 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure;and 
     FIG. 29 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An apparatus of a flexure is described. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. 
     An optoelectronic package uses a flexure coupled to one or more optical components in order to support the component(s), as well as align one or more components in the package. In one embodiment, the flexure is attached (e.g., welded) to a portion of the interior of the package as part of the pick and place mounting method. In one embodiment, the alignment is 3D adjustable. 
     In high performance optoelectronic packages, critical optical elements require more precise placement than can be obtained with the combination of platform height control and two-dimensional pick and place. This is the case of single mode fibers, which have to be aligned within less than a micron precision to achieve high optical efficiency. In one embodiment, such components are mounted using a flexure that allows for vertical adjustment. In one embodiment, the flexure is made of thin spring steel that may have been etched or stamped, and then bent in a press. Alternative methods of making a flexure may include CDM, LIGA, waterjet, lasercutting, and electroforming. 
     The flexure may comprise of two or more legs that rest on a substrate or on each side of a frame. In one embodiment, the legs are joined by a body that supports or clamps the optical element. 
     The flexure may be designed so that in its natural (non-flexed) state, the optical axis of the optical component attached to the body rests slightly above the optical plane of the package. Final adjustment of the height is obtained by applying pressure to the flexure, therefore lowering the body height. Dragging the flexure in the plane parallel to the plane of a structure in a package (e.g., a frame) may be performed to correct the lateral position. When adequate alignment is reached, the legs are permanently attached to the frame or substrate. The attachment may be by, for example, laser welding, soldering or adhesive bonding. In another refinement of the flexure design, the flexure has more than two legs. The first pair of legs is attached to a structure in a package (e.g., a frame) after coarse optical alignment. The flexure is then finely realigned, using the residual flexibility left after the first two legs are attached. When a desired position is reached, the remaining legs are attached. 
     In one embodiment, a specified length of the body of the flexure may be chosen to ensure correct alignment of the optical component. The attachment of the rear legs to the substrate causes an offset of the flexure from a first flexure position to a second flexure position. This offset causes a second offset of the optical component from a first optical component position to a second optical component position. Accordingly, the length of the body is chosen to allow for these offsets and ensure that the second offset falls within a specified, acceptable range. The specified length thus assures correct alignment of the optical component. 
     FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an optoelectronic assembly  10  with frame  32  and flexure  24 . Assembly  10  also includes a substrate  12  with positioning floor  14 , which may be substantially planar and the substrate  12  comprises an electronically isolating region with a low coefficient of thermal expansion. In one embodiment, a raised platform  20  is created on positioning floor  14 . 
     In one embodiment, the package comprises a substrate having a positioning floor that provides a mounting surface and the package bottom wall. In one embodiment, the substrate and its positioning floor are substantially planar. In one embodiment, one or more raised platforms are also provided on the mounting surface. The raised platforms may be submounts made of a high thermal conductivity material, such as, for example, copper tungsten, Aluminum Nitride, Berillyum Oxide, Diamond, and Boron Nitride, attached to the floor of the substrate. The raised platforms maybe attached, for example, by soldering or brazing, or may even be part of the substrate material itself. 
     Optical elements, or components, are mounted on positioning floor  14  and platform  20 . In one embodiment, a micro-isolator  50  is mounted on the platform  20 . In an alternative embodiment, a transmitter lens is mounted on substrate  12 , and an edge emitting optoelectronic element, such as, for example, a laser diode, is mounted on platform  20 . In another alternative embodiment, the package includes a receiver with an optical receiving device, (e.g., a photodetector) mounted on platform  20 . 
     An optical element  22  is attached to flexure  25  by, for example, soldering, brazing or welding. In one embodiment, flexure  24  comprises two legs  26  and  27 , a body  30 , and two thinned regions  28  and  29  at the junction of legs  26  and  27  and body  30 . The thinned regions  28  and  29  shown have more spring than the rest of the legs  26  and  27  although the entire length of each leg  26  and  27  act as a spring. In one embodiment, element  22  is a single mode optical fiber but it may be any element that requires optical alignment with other optical elements (e.g. an isolator). 
     The frame  32  may be attached to substrate  12 . The ends of legs  26  and  27  are attached to the frame  32 . In one embodiment, the frame  32  has a groove. The groove permits the hermetic passage of the fiber  22  to the outside of the package. 
     In one embodiment, a cap may be attached to the frame  32 , thereby creating an airtight seal. In one embodiment, the cap has a top hat shape and a peripheral lip that can be hermatically sealed to the outside portion of the frame  32  and fiber  22 . The hermetic seal may be created by a process such as seam welding, soldering or adhesive bonding. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a flexure. Referring to FIG. 2, the flexure  200  includes a body  210 , multiple legs  230 ,  232 ,  234 , and  236 , and multiple thinned regions  220 ,  222 ,  224  and  226 . The body  210  has a circular segment shape. In alternative embodiments, the body may be another shape. The front pair of legs  230  and  232  are coupled to the body  210 . The thinned regions  220  and  225  include a first and a second post for each thinned region by thinning sections  250  and  252 . The thinned regions  224  and  226  include one post where sections are cut out on either side of each leg  234  and  236 . In FIG. 2, the front pair of thinned regions  220  and  222  are smaller in total area than the back thinned regions  224  and  226  because sections have been removed created regions  250  and  252 . This provides additional freedom of movement to the body  210  after the flexure  200  has been connected (e.g., welded) to a structure in a package (e.g., a substrate). An additional section to the right of region  250  may also be removed to add additional freedom of movement. This additional freedom of movement may be used to align an optical fiber (or other component) coupled to the flexure  200  after welding the front set of legs  230  and  232 , yet before welding the back set of legs  234  and  236 . This additional removal may occur after legs  230  and  232  have been attached in the package. 
     In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the body  210  also includes alignment apertures  212 . These apertures  212  allow the flexure  200  to be positioned by picking up the flexure  200  using the alignment apertures  212  in the body  210  and placing the flexure  200  in a desired position. In alternative embodiments, the body may not have any alignment apertures, just one alignment aperture, or more than one alignment aperture. 
     Legs  230 ,  232 ,  234 , and  236  also include apertures in the form of slots  240 ,  242 ,  244 , and  246 . The slots provide the benefit of a longer surface area for connection in the package. For example, after the flexure has been located onto the substrate and pressed toward the substrate in order to obtain optical alignment of the optical components, the legs spread out. Because the legs are spread farther apart, there is a greater likelihood that a portion of the slot (because of its length) will remain in contact with the substrate. This is as opposed to having a circular hole as the connection point. When the feet only have use of a circular hole as a contact point, it is possible that after the flexure is pressed towards the substrate, the hole may not be in direct contact with the substrate any longer, which makes welding more difficult. A spot weld is made between each pair of slots  240 ,  242 ,  244 , and  246  using a laser pulse to connect the flexure to the substrate. Body  210  also includes an optical component holder in the form of a fiber groove  260  for placement of the fiber. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the flexure shown in FIG. 2 where the flexure  300  does not include a fiber groove  260  for placement of the fiber. The optical component (e.g., fiber) coupled to the flexure  300  may be mounted (e.g., soldered, glued, etc.) on the underside portion of the flexure  300  facing the substrate or on top of the flexure  300 . In alternative embodiments, the mounting of the optical component to the flexure may be performed by other methods such as, for example, brazing, clamping, and snapping. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the flexure  200  shown in FIG.  2 . The flexure  400  includes a body  410 , a pair of front legs  430  and  432 , and a pair of back legs  434 . The flexure  400  includes thinned regions  420  and  424 . Thinned region  420  include a first post and a second post where sections  450  on either side are thinned. In this embodiment, the flexure  400  is similar to flexure  200  in FIG. 2, except the slots  440  and  442  in the front legs  430  and  432  are different from the slots  240  and  242  in the flexure  200  of FIG.  2 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the slots  440  and  442  are made of multiple layers. 
     An exploded view of this embodiment of the slot  440  may be seen in FIG. 5 a . The slot  510  includes the slot  510  includes a surface  520  having an etched region  530 . The etched region  530  includes an aperture. This type of slot structure, namely the flat bottom surface of the legs, improves the connection between the flexure and the substrate. This slot structure also allows access for welding. 
     An exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a slot may be seen in FIG. 5 b . The slot  510  includes a surface having an etched region  530 . The etched region  530  divides the surface into a first surface  520  and a second surface  540 . The second surface  540  includes an aperture. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b  provide different degrees of flexibility. Both embodiments improve the connection between the flexure and the substrate. 
     An exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a slot may be seen in FIG. 5 c . The slot  510  includes a surface having a first etched region  530  and a second etched region  550 . The first and second etched regions  530  and  550  divide the surface into a first surface  520 , a second surface  540 , and a third surface  560 . The third surface  560  includes an aperture. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 a ,  5   b , and  5   c  provide different degrees of flexibility. These embodiments improve the connection between the flexure and the substrate. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the flexure shown in FIG.  2 . The flexure  600  in FIG. 6 is similar to the flexure  200  shown in FIG.  2 . However, the flexure  600  is one piece in a two piece assembly. The other piece is a mounted piece  612  having a groove  614  that fits on top of the body  610 . The mounted piece  612  does not run the length of the entire body  610 , although it could be designed to do so. This embodiment allows the flexure  600  to hold an optical component such as an optical fiber. Also, the body  610  is not weakened by the groove  614 . In addition, a flexure having a groove in alternative embodiments would also not be weakened by the grooves. 
     FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the flexure where certain regions are thinned. Sections  726  of thinned regions  720  are removed on both sides of the flexure  700 , and sections  722  and  724  of front thinned regions  720  are thinned before the flexure  700  is coupled to the substrate. In an alternative embodiment, section  722  may be removed after the front legs  730  and  740  have been secured to the substrate. This facilitates movement of the flexure  700  prior to securing the back legs  750  and  760 . 
     The embodiment shown in FIG. 7 also includes apertures in the form of slots  732  and  742  on the front legs  730  and  740 , and slots  752  and  762  on the back legs  750  and  760 . A groove  770  on top of the body  710  holds an optical component such as optical fiber. In FIG. 7, the body  710  has four apertures  712  for pick and place. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the flexure  700  shown in FIG.  7 . Similar to the flexure  700  in FIG. 7, the flexure  800  in FIG. 8 also has sections cut out of front thinned regions on both sides of the flexure  800  and additional sections thinned in the front thinned regions to facilitate movement of the flexure  800 . In addition, in FIG. 8, back thinned sections  882  and  884  of back thinned regions  880  are thinned and sections  886  are removed from the back thinned regions  880  on both sides of the flexure  800 . This facilitates movement of the flexure  800 . The thickness is reduced to optimize the stiffniess of the flexure. This, in turn, affects the bending of the flexure during alignment. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure  900 . In this embodiment, the flexure  900  is similar to the flexure  800  shown in FIG.  8 . However, the shape of the body  910  is different from the body  810  shown in FIG.  8 . In this embodiment, the body  910  has a flat surface near the top of the flexure  900  rather than a rounded shape. The body  910  may be described as having a trapezoidal shape. This facilitates the forming process of the flexure. In addition, the flat top surface facilitates the mounting of further components. 
     FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure  1000 . In this embodiment, the flexure  1000  includes thinned regions  1020  and  1040  that are thinned. This is done, in one embodiment, by etching a 0.5 strip on each leg. In one embodiment, the strip may be a    0 . 5   inch strip. The longer and narrower strips give the rear shoulders of the flexures reduced stiffness. 
     FIG. 11 illustrates a flexure  1100  similar to the flexure  200  shown in FIG.  2 . However, the flexure  1100  in this embodiment has a shorter body  1110  than the flexure  200  in FIG.  2 . The shorter body allows for a smaller packaging size. 
     FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the flexure  200  shown in FIG.  2 . In this embodiment, the front thinned regions  1220  and  1222  and the back thinned regions  1224  and  1226  are smaller in total area and include one post connecting each of the back legs  1234  and  1236  to the body  1210 . This provides additional freedom of movement to body  1210  after the front legs  1230  and  1232  have been connected (e.g., welded). This additional freedom of movement may be used to align an optical fiber (or other component) coupled to the flexure  1200  after welding the front set of legs  1230  and  1232 , yet before welding the back set of legs  1234  and  1236 , such as is described above. 
     FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the flexure  200  shown in FIG.  2 . In this embodiment, the flexure  1300  is similar to the flexure  200  shown in FIG.  2 . However, the body  1310  has a flatter top portion rather than the round top portion shown on the body  210  in FIG.  2 . In addition, the flexure  1300  in this embodiment has a greater overall height than the flexure  200  shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure  1400 . In this embodiment, the flexure  1400  includes a body  1410 , a front pair of legs  1430 , and a back pair of legs  1450 . The body  1410  has a flatter top portion. The flexure  1400  has front thinned regions  1420 . In this embodiment, sections  1422  and  1424  are thinned in the front thinned regions  1420 . Also, sections  1426  are cut out on both sides of the flexure  1400 . In this embodiment, the sections  1426  that are cut out have a different shape than other embodiments described above. The flexure  1400  also has back thinned regions  1440 . In this embodiment, sections  1442  and  1444  are thinned in the back thinned regions  1440 . Also, sections  1446  are cut out of the back thinned regions  1440  on both sides of the flexure  1400 . The shape of cut out sections  1446  have the same shape as cut out sections  1426 . The particular shape of cut out sections  1426  and  1446  in this embodiment facilitate the handling of the flexure  1400  by allowing a grabber to pick up the flexure  1400  more easily. In FIG. 14, the flexure  1400  has apertures in the form of front slots  1432  and back slots  1452  on the front and back legs  1430  and  1440 , respectively to attach the flexure  1400  to the substrate. In this embodiment, the flexure  1400  includes stabilizers  1460  that increase stiffness to stabilize the flexure  1400 . FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure  1500  where the flexure  1500  is similar to the flexure  1400  in FIG.  4 . However, the flexure  1500  has a longer body  1510 . 
     FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure  1600 . The flexure  1600  is similar to the flexure  1400  in FIG.  14 . However, the body  1610  of the flexure  1600  has a region  1612  thinned in the top portion of the body  1610  to increase the overall flexibility of the flexure  1600 . In this embodiment, the flexure  1600  also has a pair of stabilizers  1620  attached to the body  1610  of the flexure. 
     FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure  1700 . In this embodiment, the flexure  1700  has sections  1712  and  1714  cut from the body  1710  of the flexure  1700  before the flexure  1700  is coupled to the substrate. In many respects, the flexure  1700  is similar to the flexure  1400  shown in FIG.  14 . However, the flexure  1700  has a pair of stabilizers  1720  that have bottom portions  1722  that connect the stabilizers  1720  to the front pair of legs  1730 . In an alternative embodiment, bottom portions  1722  may be cut out after the pair of front legs  1730  are attached to the substrate and before the pair of back legs are attached to the substrate. This allows one to increase flexibility of the flexure after welding the front legs  1730 . 
     FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure  1800 . In this embodiment, the flexure  1800  includes stabilizers  1820  attached to the body  1810  of the flexure  1800 . The stabilizers  1820  are also attached to the front pair of legs  1830 . The flexure  1800  in this embodiment includes a groove  1812  that is capable of holding an optical component such as a fiber. 
     FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure  1900 . In this embodiment, the flexure  1900  includes stabilizers  1920  attached to the body  1910  of the flexure  1900 . The stabilizers  1920  include a top portion  1922  that connects the stabilizers  1920  to the front pair of legs  1930 . This makes the front end stiffer than what is shown in FIG.  18 . This embodiment also includes a groove  1912  on the body  1910  of the flexure  1900  that is capable of holding an optical component such as a fiber. 
     FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure  2000 . The flexure  2000  in this embodiment is similar to the embodiment of the flexure  1500  in FIG.  15 . However, in this embodiment the flexure  2000  includes a groove  2012  in the body  2010  of the flexure  2000  that is capable of holding an optical element such as a fiber. In addition, the groove  2012  includes an aperture in the form of a window  2014  cut out from the body  2010 . This window  2014  cuts off the flow of connection material. 
     FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure  2100 . FIG. 21 shows a two piece assembly where one piece is the flexure  2100  and another piece is a optical component holder. The flexure  2100  in this embodiment is similar to the embodiment of the flexure  600  in FIG.  6 . However, flexure  2100  is stiffer and does not include a groove as the flexure  600  in FIG.  6 . in this embodiment, the flexure  2100  includes two portions  2112  and  2114  that are thinned in the body  2110  of the flexure  2100 . Portion  2116  is elevated between portions  2112  and  2114  on the body  2110  and includes a groove  2118  that is capable of holding an optical element such as a fiber. 
     FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure  2200 . This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of the flexure  1500  shown in FIG.  15 . In this embodiment, the flexure  2200  includes a body  2210 , a front pair of legs  2220 , and a back pair of legs  2240 . The flexure  2200  has front thinned regions  2230  and back thinned regions  2250 . In this embodiment, only the back pair of legs  2240  include slots  2242  and  2244 . The front pair of legs  2220  do not have slots. 
     FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure  2300 . This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of the flexure  1500  shown in FIG.  15 . In this embodiment, the flexure  2300  includes a body  2310 , a front pair of legs  2320 , and a back pair of legs  2340 . The flexure  2300  includes front thinned regions  2330  and back thinned regions  2350 . In this embodiment, sections  2332  and  2334  are thinned in the front thinned regions  2330 . Sections  2336  are also cut from the front thinned regions  2330  with a shape similar to the cut out sections  1426  shown in FIG.  14 . The back thinned regions  2340  are smaller in total area than the front thinned regions  2330 . Both pairs of legs  2320  and  2340  also include apertures in the form of slots  2322 ,  2324 ,  2342 , and  2344  for attaching the flexure  2300  to a substrate. As seen in other embodiments, this embodiment includes a stabilizer  2360  attached to the body  2310  of the flexure  2300 . 
     FIG. 24 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure  2400 . This flexure  2400  is similar to the flexure  2300  shown in FIG.  2300 . However, the stabilizer  2420  is attached to both the front pair of legs  2430  and the body  2410 . In addition, the flexure  2400  includes a groove  2412  in the body  2410  of the flexure  2400  that is capable of holding an optical component such as an optical fiber. 
     FIG. 25 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure  2500 . In this embodiment, the flexure  2500  includes a body  2510 , a front pair of legs  2520 , and a back pair of legs  2540 . The body  2510  includes portions  2512  and  2514  with portion  2516  elevated between portions  2512  and  2514 . Portion  2516  includes a groove  2518 . The flexure  2500  includes front thinned regions  2530 . Sections  2532  and  2534  are thinned in the front thinned regions  2530 . Sections  2536  are cut out in the front thinned regions  2530  on both sides of the flexure  2500 . Also, additional portions  2538  are cut out of the body  2510  of the flexure  2500  where the body  2510  is attached to the front thinned regions  2530 . The flexure  2500  also includes back thinned regions  2550 . Sections  2552  and  2554  are thinned in the back thinned regions  2550 . Sections  2556  are cut out of the back thinned regions  2550  on both sides of the flexure  2500 . These cut out sections  2556  have a different shape than the cut out sections  2536  of the front thinned regions  2530 . In this embodiment, the flexure  2500  includes stabilizers  2560  attached to the body  2510 . Also, the front and back legs  2520  and  2540  includes apertures in the form of slots  2522 ,  2524 ,  2542 , and  2544  to attach the flexure  2500  to a substrate. 
     FIG. 26 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure  2600 . In this embodiment, the flexure  2600  includes a body  2610 , a front pair of legs  2620 , and a back pair of legs  2640 . The body  2610  includes portions  2612  and  2614  with portion  2616  elevated between portions  2612  and  2614 . Portion  2616  includes a groove  2618 . The flexure  2600  has front thinned regions  2630 . Sections  2632  and  2634  are thinned in the front thinned regions  2630 . Sections  2636  are cut out in the front thinned regions  2630  on both sides of the flexure  2600 . Also, additional portions  2638  are cut out of the body  2610  of the flexure  2600  where the body  2610  is attached to the front thinned regions  2630 . The flexure  2600  also includes back thinned regions  2650 . Sections  2652  and  2654  are thinned in the back thinned regions  2650 . Sections  2556  are cut out of the back thinned regions  2650  on both sides of the flexure  2500 . These cut out sections  2656  have a different shape than the cut out sections  2636  of the front thinned regions  2630 . In this embodiment, the flexure  2600  includes stabilizers  2660  attached to the body  2610 . Also, the front and back legs  2620  and  2640  includes apertures in the form of slots  2622 ,  2624 ,  2642 , and  2644  to attach the flexure  2600  to a substrate. 
     FIG. 27 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure  2700 . In this embodiment, the flexure  2700  includes a body  2710 , a front pair of legs  2720 , and a back pair of legs  2740 . The flexure  2700  includes front thinned regions  2730 . Sections  2732  and  2734  are thinned in the front thinned regions  2730 . Sections  2736  are cut out of the front thinned regions  2730  on both sides of the flexure  2700 . The flexure  2700  also includes back thinned regions  2750 . In this embodiment, the back thinned regions  2750  have certain shaped apertures  2752  cut out of the back thinned regions  2750 . The flexure  2700  includes stabilizers  2760  attached to the body  2710 . Also, the front and back legs  2720  and  2740  include apertures in the form of slots  2722 ,  2724 ,  2742 , and  2744  to attach the flexure  2700  to a substrate. FIG. 28 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the flexure  2700  shown in FIG.  27 . The flexure  2800  in FIG. 28 is similar to the flexure  2700  shown in FIG.  27 . However, the flexure  2800  in FIG. 28 is shorter in length than the flexure  2700  shown in FIG.  27 . 
     FIG. 29 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexure  2900 . The flexure  2900  in this figure is similar to the flexure  2800  shown in FIG.  28 . However, in this embodiment, the front thinned regions  2930  are identical to the back thinned regions  2950 . The back thinned regions  2950  have certain shaped apertures  2952  cut out of the back thinned regions  2950 . The front thinned regions  2930  also have certain shaped apertures  2932  cut out of the front thinned regions  2930 . In this embodiment, the flexure  2900  includes stabilizers  2960  attached to the body  2910 . Also, the front and back legs  2920  and  2940  includes apertures in the form of slots  2922 ,  2924 ,  2942 , and  2944  to attach the flexure  2900  to a substrate. 
     An apparatus for a flexure has been described. Although the present invention is described herein with reference to specific embodiments, many modifications and variations therein will readily occur to those with ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are included within the intended scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.