An optical resonator configured to be tuned using piezoelectric actuation, includes a core, the core being configured to transmit light; a piezoelectric layer; a first electrode and a second electrode. The piezoelectric layer is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. A voltage difference across the first and second electrodes alters a geometric dimension of the piezoelectric layer such that physical force is applied to the core and a resonant optical frequency of the resonator is changed. A method of utilizing mechanical stress to tune an optical resonator includes applying physical force to the resonator by subjecting a piezoelectric material to an electric field, the physical force changing a resonant frequency of the resonator.