[image 1: Researchers created a chip that uses a patterned beam of light
to modify the optical properties of a meta-material rCo a second beam can
then pass through the material and get deflected according to the first
beam's projected pattern (link #1)]
As sighted creatures, humans have always used light for communication
through body language, writing, smoke signals, and more. Harnessing
invisible frequencies of light such as radio massively expanded our communication range, while hyper-focusing light into lasers tremendously increased communication fidelity. And sending lasers through fiber optic
cables meant communication that was free from the tyranny of straight line-transmission.
