1. A waveguide neural interface device, comprising: a) a neural device configured for implanting in tissue and comprises a neural device sidewall extending from a proximal neural device portion that is connectable to a pulse generator to a distal neural device portion; b) an array of electrode sites supported by the neural device sidewall, wherein the array of electrode sites are configured to electrically communicate with their surroundings and comprises at least one recording electrode site located on a first face of the distal neural device portion; c) a first waveguide extending from a proximal first waveguide portion that is connectable to a light source to a distal first waveguide portion having a distal first waveguide end, wherein the distal first waveguide portion is supported by a second face of the distal neural device portion; d) an aperture extending from the first face through the neural device sidewall to the second face in the distal neural device portion; and e) a light redirecting element supported by the distal first waveguide portion adjacent to the aperture, f) wherein the light redirecting element serves to redirect light traveling along the distal first waveguide portion through the aperture in the neural device portion to thereby illuminate selectively targeted tissue adjacent to, but in a manner that avoids direct illumination of, the at least one recording electrode site on the first face of the distal neural device portion, and wherein the at least one recording electrode site is configured to sample illuminated tissue.