An opto-electronic probe system is disclosed. The probe system has a probe element including at least one microelectrode, with the probe element being implantable in tissue of an anatomy to receive electrical signals generated within the anatomy. A subsystem is included for at least one of generating excitation signals to be used in stimulating the anatomy, or for receiving electrical signals received from the anatomy. An interface portion is included which is in communication with the subsystem for communicating at least one of electrical signals or optical signals indicative of the electrical signals received by the microelectrode.