Welcome to the M.O.R.E. Lab

The MORE Lab conducts research at the intersection of photonics, quantum materials, and ultrafast light–matter interactions. Our projects explore new approaches to understanding and controlling quantum phenomena in advanced materials while developing next-generation optical technologies.

Through interdisciplinary collaborations with universities, national laboratories, and industry partners, the lab combines theoretical modeling, experimental design, and computational simulations to advance the frontiers of quantum information science and photonics.

Project Name: Multiscale Evaluations of Quantum Materials for Quantum Information

IBM-HBCU Quantum Center Initiative

This project investigates strategies for achieving coherent quantum optical control of technologically relevant quantum materials. The research focuses on understanding how light can probe and manipulate the electronic and optical properties of materials such as graphene and other correlated quantum systems.

The project explores photon-photon correlation architectures capable of detecting ultrafast quantum interactions with extremely high sensitivity, enabling the study of coherent and incoherent excitation mechanisms across a wide range of materials systems.

Research focus

• Quantum optical control of nanoscale materials
• Photon-photon correlation measurement techniques
• Modeling and simulation of quantum material systems
• Development of new ultrafast diagnostic tools for quantum dynamics

Collaborators

Morehouse College • Howard University • SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Project Name: Coherent Quantum Control and Quantum Electrodynamics

IBM/SPIE Faculty Accelerator Award

This project studies ultrafast electronic dynamics in quantum materials, particularly processes that occur on femtosecond and attosecond timescales.

The research centers on capturing high-harmonic generation (HHG) phenomena in real time, allowing researchers to observe electron motion and excitation processes in quantum materials with unprecedented temporal resolution.

To achieve this, the MORE Lab is developing new optical measurement architectures that can detect and analyze hyperspectral particle wave packets at attosecond-scale precision.

Research focus

• High-harmonic generation in quantum materials
• Attosecond-scale ultrafast optical dynamics
• Hyperspectral wave-packet correlation measurements
• Photonic architectures for quantum sensing

Collaborators

Morehouse College • UCLA • SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Project Name: Quantum Materials Temporal Analysis and Coherent Control using Attometrology for Quantum Information Science

NSF Expand-QISE Program

This NSF-funded project investigates ultrafast quantum interactions and decoherence mechanisms in advanced materials, particularly metamaterials and correlated quantum systems.

The project aims to develop a new experimental technique capable of detecting and cross-correlating particle and photon wave packets with attosecond precision. This technique enables the study of coherent and incoherent excitation processes critical to the development of future quantum technologies.

The research integrates theoretical modeling, materials characterization, and optical instrumentation development.

Research focus

• Ultrafast light–matter interactions in metamaterials
• Attosecond-scale optical metrology
• Balanced optical cross-correlation instrumentation
• Quantum coherence and decoherence mechanisms

Collaborators

Morehouse College • University of California, Los Angeles

Project Name: Reaching an Advanced Computing Technologies Workforce through Education Initiatives in Quantum Information Science and Engineering (ReACT-QISE)

DOE ASCR – RENEW (ReACT-QISE)

The ReACT-QISE initiative focuses on building the next generation of scientists and engineers trained in quantum information science and advanced computing technologies.

Through a national collaboration involving multiple universities, the program provides students with research opportunities in quantum optics, quantum sensing, and photonic technologies while preparing them for careers in the rapidly growing quantum technology workforce.

Students participate in research projects, summer internships, and collaborative training experiences across partner institutions.

Partner Institutions

University of Illinois Chicago • Morehouse College • Spelman College • Arizona State University • Tulane University • Southern University • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

INITIATIVES & PROGRAMS

Description: The More-QuEST Summer Program (Morehouse Quantum Engineering Science and Technology) is a STEM enrichment and research exposure initiative designed for high school students interested in science, engineering, and emerging technologies. The program introduces participants to foundational ideas in quantum science, optics, photonics, and advanced computing technologies while strengthening critical skills in scientific reasoning, problem solving, and technical communication.

Eligibility:

• Rising 9th–12th grade high school students

• Students with interest in science, engineering, or mathematics

• Participants must attend the program for the full program duration

Coming Soon

Research Assistant Roles

Students involved in the lab participate in active research projects, develop technical skills in experimental and computational methods, and have opportunities to present their work at conferences and contribute to publications.

How to Apply

Students interested in joining the MORE Lab can apply through one of the following pathways:

Direct Inquiry

Students may also contact:

Dr. Wesley Sims
Director, Materials / Optics Research & Engineering Lab
Morehouse College
Email: wesley.sims@morehouse.edu

Include the following:

• Major and class year
• Resume or CV
• Brief statement of research interests

More Lab is a part of the STEM Division: Department of Physics. We are located in Dansby Hall, Room 105.

Need additional information?
Complete the form below.

Publications

• Li, Z., Sims, W., Shariatdoust, M.S., Howell, G., Searles, T.A., & Carbajo, S. "Time-Correlation Transduction in Strong-Field Quantum Electrodynamics." arXiv preprint (2024).

• Kyaw, C., Yahiaoui, R., Burrow, J.A., Tran, V., Keelen, K., Sims, W., Red, E., Rockward, W.S., Thomas, M., Saragan, A., Agha, I., & Searles, T.A. "Polarization-selective modulation of supercavity resonances originating from bound states in the continuum." Communications Physics 3(212):1–8 (2020).

• Kyaw, C., Yahiaoui, R., Burrow, J.A., Tran, V., Keelen, K., Sims, W., et al. "Polarization Dependence of Friedric-Wintgen Bound States in the Continuum from THz Metasurfaces." CLEO QELS (2020). https://doi.org/10.1364/CLEO_QELS.2020.FM4B.1

• Burrow, J.A., Yahiaoui, R., Sims, W., Chase, Z.A., Tran, V., Sarangan, A., Matthews, J., Rockward, W., Agha, I., & Searles, T.A. "Influence of symmetry breaking on Fano-like resonances in high-FOM planar terahertz metafilms." arXiv preprint (2018).

• Yahiaoui, R., Burrow, J.A., Mekonen, S.M., Sims, W., Rockward, W., Thomas, M., Agha, I., Mathews, J., & Searles, T.A. "Tunable optical activity in ultrathin and highly flexible terahertz metasurfaces." arXiv preprint (2018). Submitted to Optics Letters.

• Morehouse Feature: Faculty Accelerator Award 2022
  
• Wesley Sims: The 2022 recipient of the IBM-SPIE HBCU Faculty Accelerator Award

Events