an optical prosthesis that permits control of neural circuits comprises a probe having a set of light sources , drive circuit connections connected to each light source , a housing surrounding the light sources and drive circuit connections , and drive circuitry for driving and controlling the probe . the drive circuit connections and drive circuitry may optionally provide for wireless communication . the light sources may be light - emitting diodes , lasers , or other suitable sources . the device may optionally include sensors for monitoring the target cells . the present invention is also a multi - dimensional array of probes , each probe having a set of light sources , drive circuit connections connected to each light source , a housing surrounding the light sources and the drive circuit connections , drive circuitry for driving and controlling the probes , and supporting hardware that holds the probes in position with respect to each other and the target cells .