Theoretical Quantum Science Group
Overview
Our theoretical quantum science group is based at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK. We are working on fundamental questions in quantum many-body physics, with a strong focus on non-equilibrium dynamics and quantum information. We develop and apply advanced numerical methods to study dynamics of entanglement, transport phenomena, and phase transitions in driven quantum systems. A key theme of our research is the connection between fundamental theory and experimental platforms, such as ultracold atoms and quantum simulators.
Please also have a look at the OSU Physics Research Team Page for more information.
Principal Investigator
Thomas Bilitewski, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Oklahoma State University
Research interests: quantum many-body physics, quantum simulation, non-equilibrium dynamics, entanglement generation (see full bio on the CV page)
Postdoctoral Researchers
Arman Duha, PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher (since January 2026)
Research focus: non-equilibrium entanglement dynamics, spin squeezing and dynamical phase transitions, and transport in engineered quantum systems.
Graduate Students
Lucas Cartwright
Graduate Student
Sagar Chaudhary
Graduate Student
Sakshi Bahamnia
Graduate Student — University of Oklahoma
Undergraduate Researchers
Lara Valcarcel
NSF REU Scholar (Summer 2026) — Physics and Mathematics, University of Alabama in Huntsville
Research focus: quantum metrology in spin-1 and higher-spin systems.
From my perspective, this REU was a taste of being in a PhD program with the right advisor.
REU Students
Our group hosts undergraduate students through the NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at Oklahoma State University. In their own words:
From my perspective, this REU was a taste of being in a PhD program with the right advisor. I expected to learn about a new branch of physics and gain some practical skills, but I was also delighted to be introduced to the theoretical depth and engaging discussions that the subject has to offer. The project I participated in helped me find out what I'd like to continue pursuing in my student career; however, the most valuable part of my experience was the focused and in-context study of quantum fundamentals offered by my thoughtful advisor and senior colleagues, who are always ready to help. Whatever my area of research in the future, I now owe a significant part of my motivation and development in physics to the Thomas Bilitewski group.
Alumni
- Arman Duha, PhD (2025) — Thesis: “Non-Equilibrium Entanglement Dynamics and Transport in Engineered Quantum Systems.”
- Samuel E. Begg, PhD — Postdoctoral researcher (2024–2025). Samuel joined the group in 2024 after completing his PhD at King’s College London. He worked on phase transitions in driven quantum systems and developing novel numerical methods for quantum dynamics. He has since moved to the University of Texas at Dallas as a postdoctoral researcher.
Collaborators
We maintain active collaborations with several experimental and theoretical groups, including:
Oklahoma
- Dr. Grant Biedermann (University of Oklahoma, CQRT; cesium Rydberg tweezer arrays)
- Dr. Yingmei Liu (Oklahoma State University; ultracold spinor gases)
National
- Dr. Michael Martin (Los Alamos National Laboratory; strontium platform)
- Dr. Ana Maria Rey (JILA, University of Colorado and NIST; polar molecules, optical-clock atoms)
- Dr. Jun Ye (JILA, University of Colorado and NIST; polar molecules, optical-clock atoms)
- Dr. Qi Zhou (Purdue University; spin transport)
- Dr. Joseph H. Thywissen (University of Toronto; ultracold fermions)
International
- Dr. Luis Santos (Leibniz Universität Hannover, Germany; dipolar spin ladders)
- Dr. Monika Aidelsburger (LMU Munich and MPQ, Germany; interaction-induced topology)
- Dr. Roderich Moessner (Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany; classical spin dynamics)
- Dr. Masudul Haque (Dresden, Germany; classical spin dynamics)
- Dr. Subhro Bhattacharjee (ICTS Bangalore, India; many-body chaos)