A resonator for thermo optic devices is formed in the same process steps
as a waveguide and is formed in a depression of a lower cladding while
the waveguide is formed on a surface of the lower cladding. Since upper
surfaces of the resonator and waveguide are substantially coplanar, the
aspect ratio, as between the waveguide and resonator in an area where the
waveguide and resonator front one another, decreases thereby increasing
the bandwidth of the resonator. The depression is formed by photomasking
and etching the lower cladding before forming the resonator and
waveguide. Pluralities of resonators are also taught that are formed in a
plurality of depressions of the lower cladding. To decrease resonator
bandwidth, waveguide(s) are formed in the depression(s) of the lower
cladding while the resonator is formed on the surface. Thermo optic
devices formed with these resonators are also taught.