Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for optical control of target cells comprises a set of light sources, hardware for guiding light to the target cells, supporting hardware that holds members of the set of light sources with respect to each other and the target cells, control circuitry for controlling the set of light sources, and power circuitry that provides power to the set of light sources and the control circuitry. The device may be wearable or implantable, and may be remotely powered or employ wireless communication. The supporting hardware may comprise implantable hypodermics or cannulas, or a plate or scaffold. The set of light sources may be assembled into an array.