Abstract: A system and method for independently controlling the collimation and lateral positioning of a light beam comprises at least one acousto-optic deflector and a pair of counter propagating acoustic waves with offset frequencies. While the frequency offset controls the lateral positioning of the light beam, a frequency gradient across the acousto-optic deflectors controls the collimation of the light beam.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the creation of macroscopic materials and objects comprising aligned nanotube segments. The invention entails aligning single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) segments that are suspended in a fluid medium and then removing the aligned segments from suspension in a way that macroscopic, ordered assemblies of SWNT are formed. The invention is further directed to controlling the natural proclivity of nanotube segments to self assemble into ordered structures by modifying the environment of the nanotubes and the history of that environment prior to and during the process. The materials and objects are “macroscopic” in that they are large enough to be seen without the aid of a microscope or of the dimensions of such objects.