Systems, apparatus and methods for a neural implant are provided. In one embodiment, a neural implant that can both optically stimulate neurons and record electrical signals from neurons is provided, including a wide band gap semiconductor opto electronic microarray, such optoelectronic microarray including a plurality of needles, each providing both optical transparency and electrical conductivity a flexible optical conduit from the optoelectronic microarray to an optical signal source a flexible electrical conduit from the optoelectronic microarray to an electrical signal sensor integration of the optical and electrical conduits to a single monolithic optical cable a circuit assembly coupled to the electrical signal source and the optical signal source and a processor for providing control of at least one of the electrical signal sensor and the optical signal source. Further embodiments are described herein.
