Optical ring resonator devices are disclosed that can be used for optical
filtering, modulation or switching, or for use as photodetectors or
sensors. These devices can be formed as microdisk ring resonators, or as
open-ring resonators with an optical waveguide having a width that varies
adiabatically. Electrical and mechanical connections to the open-ring
resonators are made near a maximum width of the optical waveguide to
minimize losses and thereby provide a high resonator Q. The ring
resonators can be tuned using an integral electrical heater, or an
integral semiconductor junction.