A load cell having an optical micro-resonator in a housing formed of high thermally conductive material. Upon application of a force to a surface of the housing, the micro-resonator is squeezed and changes in shape and refractive index, thereby changing the resonant frequency of the micro-resonator and causing a shift in the spectrum of wavelengths of light that is introduced to the micro-resonator. This shift in the spectrum of wavelengths is representative of the force applied to the housing of the load cell.