The history of natural science contains many instances in which a certain branch, considered dead for a long time, suddenly rises from its ashes like a phoenix. Researchers who move to different areas to escape boredom characterise the lethargic state of the field they have just abandoned with cynical expressions: the field is supposed to be mature, ripe or aged. However, unexpected new scientific discoveries and/or new technologies may suddenly open up these outmoded fields and even cause some remigration. Currently, fascinating developments are causing this change in linear classical optics – even this dull field is roaring again.