1. A programmable integrated circuit (IC) comprising a single body of a non-hybrid indirect band gap semiconductor, the IC comprising: at least one optical transducer as an integral part of the IC on the same body of semiconductor, the optical transducer being operable to receive an optical input indicative of programming instructions, wherein the optical transducer additionally serves as an on-die light emitter operable to provide an optical output; and at least one storage element communicatively coupled to the optical transducer and being operable to store thereon the programming instructions or an adaptation thereof, wherein the programming instructions received via the optical input are configured to direct the operation of the IC.