Fiberless optogenetics involves activating opsins with miniature light-emitting diodes (LEDs) so that light can be delivered wirelessly. Lanthanide micro-particles are transferred into the brain, along with the opsins, and exposure to near-infrared light (NIR) leads to the activation of light-sensitive proteins in a process called upconversion.

It aims to overcome limitations of conventional optogenetics, in which the insertion of an optical fiber in traditional optogenetics causes physical damage to brain tissue and restricts the movement of animal subjects. Furthermore, NIR can reach deeper brain regions than visible light. The limitations of fiberless optogenetics include a limited battery life of the LEDs and restriction of animals' movement due to the devices' weight and size.