Thomas Bilitewski
AMO and Condensed Matter Theoretical Physicist · Stillwater, OK · thomas.bilitewski@okstate.edu
About Me
Theoretical Quantum Scientist, working in the areas of atomic-molecular-optical (AMO) and condensed matter theory
My main research interests are in (quantum) many-body physics, quantum simulation, (non-equilibrium) dynamics and generation of entanglement. A main driving motivation of my theoretical work is to provide insightful explanations for experimental results and actionable realistic proposals for applications and exploration of fundamental physics. I much enjoy collaboration with experimental groups, and my work is often guided by recent novel experimental capabilities, and attempts to open up practical new avenues for advancing quantum simulation, information and metrology in ultra-cold atomic and molecular setups.
Profiles
Research Experience
Assistant Professor
Main Projects and Achievements:
- Squeezing phase transitions and universal critical scaling (PRL 2025)
- Quantum many-body scars in spinor BECs, in collaboration with the Liu group (PRL 2025)
- Emergent topology in dipolar spin ladders and Bosonic Kitaev models
- Spatio-temporal control in long-range interacting quantum systems (AFOSR funded)
Students Supervised:
- Arman Duha, PhD (defended November 2025). Thesis: “Non-Equilibrium Entanglement Dynamics and Transport in Engineered Quantum Systems.”
- Lucas Cartwright, Senior Thesis (Summer 2025). Thesis: “Exploration of quantum many-body scar behavior in spinor gas using tunable quadratic Zeeman term and drive strength.”
- Lara Valcarcel, NSF REU (Summer 2026). Project: “Quantum metrology in spin-1 and higher-spin systems.”
Active Grants:
- NSF CAREER Award ($504,481, 2026-2031) - PI
- DOE Genesis Mission Grant ($651,891 Phase I, 2026-2027) - Co-PI
- AFOSR DEPSCoR Grant ($599,551, 2025-2028) - PI
- NSF NRT Award ($2,999,630, 2025-2030) - Co-PI
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Main Projects
- Pauli blocking, cooperative emission and atomic motion in multi-level systems
- Spin squeezing in dipolar molecules
- Thermodynamics of SU(N) Fermi gases
Postdoctoral Scholar
Main Projects
- Discovery of Jammed Spin Liquid: Geometric Frustration and Disorder
- Classical Many-Body Chaos: OTOC’s and Phase Transitions
- Flat Bands and Disorder
PhD Student
Main Projects
- Floquet Engineering, Interactions and Heating
- Synthetic Dimensions and Pair Superfluids