An apparatus and method for electro-optically controlling the path of a laser beam or other electromagnetic beam in a suitable spectrum (e.g. visible, infrared, etc.) operates entirely in a solid state. Crystalline carbon-60 is manufactured in a gaseous environment to produce carbon-60 balls, each capturing a polarized molecule or ion susceptible to application of an electric field. Carbon-60 balls are suspended in a matrix of transparent gel, cured polymer, or held by their own solid, crystalline structure. Electrodes for controlling electric fields imposed upon the head, preferably shaped as a semi-spherical object, may be energized by alternating voltage to provide an alternating field. The ions or polarized molecules may oscillate within the carbon-60 "cages" in any direction as dictated by multiple, phased, field electrodes. A virtual plane of ions creates a refractive environment that can selectively aim an incoming beam in accordance with oscillating patterns of ions under the influence of the electrical fields. Orthogonal fields may provide precise refraction and aiming of an electromagnetic (e.g. light) beam in two dimensions. A target material may be any electro-optical surface, or a work piece. As a memory device, the light source, directing head, and memory medium are all solid state devices requiring no mechanically accelerated parts. Storage density may be redily increased by one to three orders of magnitude. Speed increases may range from three to six orders of magnitude improvement over conventional, prior art devices.