Physical Review A
Encyclopedia
Physical Review A: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics is a peer-reviewed
scientific journal
that is published twelve times per year by the American Physical Society
in print, online, and CD formats. The main focus of interest is atomic, molecular and optical physics. The editor-in-chief is Gordon W. F. Drake (University of Windsor
).
, and quantum mechanics
, including quantum information theory are such fundamental subjects. Furthermore, matter waves, including Bose-Einstein condensate are within the journal's scope.
Atomic and molecular structure
, dynamics, and processes occurring in external fields, are part of its collections. Hence, articles on atomic and molecular collisions and interactions
as these occur in surface areas and within solid
s are included. In addition, atom clusters
is an area of interest, and this includes fullerenes.
New sections have been introduced which are experiencing notable expansion. These sections are quantum communication, computation, cryptography
, and matter waves.
" in 1893. In 1913 the American Physical Society took over Physical Review. In 1970, the journal was subdivided into Physical Review A, B, C, and D. At that time section A was newly named, Physical Review A: General Physics. From 1990 until 1993 a process was started to split this journal into two. Hence, in 1993, it changed in name to its current title. As an aside, in January 2007, the section in Physical Review E which published works on classical optics was transferred to Physical Review A. This action unified the classical and quantum parts of optics
into a single journal.
, nuclear physics
, or elementary particles and fields
. However, the journal published papers concerning laser research
, reporting advancements on various technologies in the areas of communications, transportation, entertainment, medical diagnostics, manufacturing, and various other sectors.
Beginning in 1978 the journal established its reputation, by attracting many papers of key importance. In particular, early work on laser spectroscopy by many authors published in the journal led to the Nobel Prize
for Arthur L. Schawlow and Nicolaas Bloembergen
in 1981.
Over the years, journal coverage followed the continuing development of the laser, and its integration into society for laboratory
, industrial
, and commercial applications. Advancements and integration of the laser also created a renewed interest in basic atomic
and molecular physics
. At the same time, pure research
followed an unforeseen, and unpredictable path for 50 years of revolutionary advances. Papers reporting research and advances were published in "Physical Review A: General Physics". Hence, the growth of this field (lasers) is documented in this journal.
Beginning in 1992, significant numbers of papers were submitted regarding high intensity and short pulsed lasers, along with commensurate applications. Meanwhile, in 1993 Physical Review A was split, and reconstituted as "Physical Review A: Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics" and "Physical Review E: Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics ". The changes took place over three years from 1990 to 1993.
Over the same time period, applications of lasers for the cooling and trapping of atoms were being developed. This led to Nobel Prizes for Steven Chu
, Claude Cohen-Tannoudji
, and William D. Phillips in 1997. Physical Review A published many of their research papers throughout this time period.
A recently published Rapid Communications in Physical Review A is:
, the journal has an impact factor
of 2.866. In addition, it is indexed in the following bibliographical databases:
Peer review
Peer review is a process of self-regulation by a profession or a process of evaluation involving qualified individuals within the relevant field. Peer review methods are employed to maintain standards, improve performance and provide credibility...
scientific journal
Scientific journal
In academic publishing, a scientific journal is a periodical publication intended to further the progress of science, usually by reporting new research. There are thousands of scientific journals in publication, and many more have been published at various points in the past...
that is published twelve times per year by the American Physical Society
American Physical Society
The American Physical Society is the world's second largest organization of physicists, behind the Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft. The Society publishes more than a dozen scientific journals, including the world renowned Physical Review and Physical Review Letters, and organizes more than 20...
in print, online, and CD formats. The main focus of interest is atomic, molecular and optical physics. The editor-in-chief is Gordon W. F. Drake (University of Windsor
University of Windsor
The University of Windsor is a public comprehensive and research university in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It is Canada's southernmost university. It has a student population of approximately 15,000 full-time and part-time undergraduate students and over 1000 graduate students...
).
Scope
Fundamental topics related to atomic, molecular and optical physics are published in this journal. Quantum opticsQuantum optics
Quantum optics is a field of research in physics, dealing with the application of quantum mechanics to phenomena involving light and its interactions with matter.- History of quantum optics :...
, and quantum mechanics
Quantum mechanics
Quantum mechanics, also known as quantum physics or quantum theory, is a branch of physics providing a mathematical description of much of the dual particle-like and wave-like behavior and interactions of energy and matter. It departs from classical mechanics primarily at the atomic and subatomic...
, including quantum information theory are such fundamental subjects. Furthermore, matter waves, including Bose-Einstein condensate are within the journal's scope.
Atomic and molecular structure
Molecular structure
The molecular structure of a substance is described by the combination of nuclei and electrons that comprise its constitute molecules. This includes the molecular geometry , the electronic properties of the...
, dynamics, and processes occurring in external fields, are part of its collections. Hence, articles on atomic and molecular collisions and interactions
Crystal structure
In mineralogy and crystallography, crystal structure is a unique arrangement of atoms or molecules in a crystalline liquid or solid. A crystal structure is composed of a pattern, a set of atoms arranged in a particular way, and a lattice exhibiting long-range order and symmetry...
as these occur in surface areas and within solid
Solid
Solid is one of the three classical states of matter . It is characterized by structural rigidity and resistance to changes of shape or volume. Unlike a liquid, a solid object does not flow to take on the shape of its container, nor does it expand to fill the entire volume available to it like a...
s are included. In addition, atom clusters
Cluster chemistry
In chemistry, a cluster is an ensemble of bound atoms intermediate in size between a molecule and a bulk solid. Clusters exist of diverse stoichiometries and nuclearities. For example, carbon and boron atoms form fullerene and borane clusters, respectively. Transition metals and main group...
is an area of interest, and this includes fullerenes.
New sections have been introduced which are experiencing notable expansion. These sections are quantum communication, computation, cryptography
Cryptography
Cryptography is the practice and study of techniques for secure communication in the presence of third parties...
, and matter waves.
Former names
This journal began as " Physical ReviewPhysical Review
Physical Review is an American scientific journal founded in 1893 by Edward Nichols. It publishes original research and scientific and literature reviews on all aspects of physics. It is published by the American Physical Society. The journal is in its third series, and is split in several...
" in 1893. In 1913 the American Physical Society took over Physical Review. In 1970, the journal was subdivided into Physical Review A, B, C, and D. At that time section A was newly named, Physical Review A: General Physics. From 1990 until 1993 a process was started to split this journal into two. Hence, in 1993, it changed in name to its current title. As an aside, in January 2007, the section in Physical Review E which published works on classical optics was transferred to Physical Review A. This action unified the classical and quantum parts of optics
Optics
Optics is the branch of physics which involves the behavior and properties of light, including its interactions with matter and the construction of instruments that use or detect it. Optics usually describes the behavior of visible, ultraviolet, and infrared light...
into a single journal.
Historical background
In 1970, when Physical Review A: General Physics was first issued, this field appeared to lack focus. Published papers were not easily classified according to a physics "sub-field" such as condensed matter physicsCondensed matter physics
Condensed matter physics deals with the physical properties of condensed phases of matter. These properties appear when a number of atoms at the supramolecular and macromolecular scale interact strongly and adhere to each other or are otherwise highly concentrated in a system. The most familiar...
, nuclear physics
Nuclear physics
Nuclear physics is the field of physics that studies the building blocks and interactions of atomic nuclei. The most commonly known applications of nuclear physics are nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons technology, but the research has provided application in many fields, including those...
, or elementary particles and fields
Particle physics
Particle physics is a branch of physics that studies the existence and interactions of particles that are the constituents of what is usually referred to as matter or radiation. In current understanding, particles are excitations of quantum fields and interact following their dynamics...
. However, the journal published papers concerning laser research
Laser
A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation...
, reporting advancements on various technologies in the areas of communications, transportation, entertainment, medical diagnostics, manufacturing, and various other sectors.
Beginning in 1978 the journal established its reputation, by attracting many papers of key importance. In particular, early work on laser spectroscopy by many authors published in the journal led to the Nobel Prize
Nobel Prize
The Nobel Prizes are annual international awards bestowed by Scandinavian committees in recognition of cultural and scientific advances. The will of the Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, established the prizes in 1895...
for Arthur L. Schawlow and Nicolaas Bloembergen
Nicolaas Bloembergen
Nicolaas Bloembergen is a Dutch-American physicist and Nobel laureate.He received his Ph.D. degree from University of Leiden in 1948; while pursuing his PhD at Harvard, Bloembergen also worked part-time as a graduate research assistant for Edward Mills Purcell at the MIT Radiation Laboratory...
in 1981.
Over the years, journal coverage followed the continuing development of the laser, and its integration into society for laboratory
Laboratory
A laboratory is a facility that provides controlled conditions in which scientific research, experiments, and measurement may be performed. The title of laboratory is also used for certain other facilities where the processes or equipment used are similar to those in scientific laboratories...
, industrial
Industry
Industry refers to the production of an economic good or service within an economy.-Industrial sectors:There are four key industrial economic sectors: the primary sector, largely raw material extraction industries such as mining and farming; the secondary sector, involving refining, construction,...
, and commercial applications. Advancements and integration of the laser also created a renewed interest in basic atomic
Atomic physics
Atomic physics is the field of physics that studies atoms as an isolated system of electrons and an atomic nucleus. It is primarily concerned with the arrangement of electrons around the nucleus and...
and molecular physics
Molecular physics
Molecular physics is the study of the physical properties of molecules, the chemical bonds between atoms as well as the molecular dynamics. Its most important experimental techniques are the various types of spectroscopy...
. At the same time, pure research
Pure research
Pure research, basic research, or fundamental research is research carried out to increase understanding of fundamental principles. Many times the end results have no direct or immediate commercial benefits: pure research can be thought of as arising out of curiosity. However, in the long term it...
followed an unforeseen, and unpredictable path for 50 years of revolutionary advances. Papers reporting research and advances were published in "Physical Review A: General Physics". Hence, the growth of this field (lasers) is documented in this journal.
Beginning in 1992, significant numbers of papers were submitted regarding high intensity and short pulsed lasers, along with commensurate applications. Meanwhile, in 1993 Physical Review A was split, and reconstituted as "Physical Review A: Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics" and "Physical Review E: Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics ". The changes took place over three years from 1990 to 1993.
Over the same time period, applications of lasers for the cooling and trapping of atoms were being developed. This led to Nobel Prizes for Steven Chu
Steven Chu
Steven Chu is an American physicist and the 12th United States Secretary of Energy. Chu is known for his research at Bell Labs in cooling and trapping of atoms with laser light, which won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1997, along with his scientific colleagues Claude Cohen-Tannoudji and...
, Claude Cohen-Tannoudji
Claude Cohen-Tannoudji
Claude Cohen-Tannoudji is a French physicist and Nobel Laureate. He shared the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics with Steven Chu and William Daniel Phillips for research in methods of laser cooling and trapping atoms...
, and William D. Phillips in 1997. Physical Review A published many of their research papers throughout this time period.
Rapid communications section
Physical Review A Rapid Communications was announced on March 8, 2010. This section (or feature) gives priority to results which are deemed significant, and merits a prominent display on the Physical Review A home page. The specific article is displayed for several weeks, and is part of a rotation with other articles, also deemed significant during this period.A recently published Rapid Communications in Physical Review A is:
See also
- Journal of Physics A: Mathematical, Nuclear and General
- Annual Review of Nuclear and Particle Science
- Physics Letters B
- Symmetry magazine:dimensions of particle physics
- Classical and Quantum GravityClassical and Quantum GravityClassical and Quantum Gravity is a peer-reviewed journal that covers all aspects of gravitational physics and the theory of spacetime.Its scope includes*Classical general relativity*Applications of relativity*Experimental gravitation...
- Inverse ProblemsInverse ProblemsInverse Problems is a peer-reviewed, broad-based interdisciplinary journal for pure and applied mathematicians and physicists. It combines theoretical, experimental and mathematical papers on inverse problems with numerical and practical approaches to their solution...
- Journal of Physics: Condensed MatterJournal of Physics: Condensed MatterJournal of Physics: Condensed Matter is a monthly, peer reviewed, scientific journal, established in 1989, and published by the Institute of Physics. This journal reports on all areas of condensed matter physics including soft matter and nanostructures. This journal publishes papers that contain...
- Journal of Statistical Mechanics: Theory and ExperimentJournal of Statistical Mechanics: Theory and ExperimentThe Journal of Statistical Mechanics: Theory and Experiment is a peer-reviewed scientific journal. published by the International School for Advanced Studies and the Institute of Physics . The journal is targeted to scientists interested in different aspects of statistical physics....
- New Journal of Physics
- NonlinearityNonlinearity (journal)Nonlinearity is a peer-reviewed scientific journal of the Institute of Physics and the London Mathematical Society. The journal’s coverage ranges from proofs of important theorems to papers presenting ideas, conjectures and numerical or physical experiments of physical and mathematical interest...
Abstracting, indexing and impact factor
According to the 2009 Journal Citation ReportsJournal Citation Reports
Journal Citation Reports is an annual publication by the Healthcare & Science division of Thomson Reuters. It has been integrated with the Web of Knowledge, by Thomson Reuters, and is accessed from the Web of Science to JCR Web. It provides information about academic journals in the sciences and...
, the journal has an impact factor
Impact factor
The impact factor, often abbreviated IF, is a measure reflecting the average number of citations to articles published in science and social science journals. It is frequently used as a proxy for the relative importance of a journal within its field, with journals with higher impact factors deemed...
of 2.866. In addition, it is indexed in the following bibliographical databases:
- INSPECInspecInspec is a major indexing database of scientific and technical literature, published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology , and formerly by the Institution of Electrical Engineers , one of the IET's forerunners....
- SPIN database
- Chemical Abstracts ServiceChemical Abstracts ServiceChemical Abstracts is a periodical index that provides summaries and indexes of disclosures in recently published scientific documents. Approximately 8,000 journals, technical reports, dissertations, conference proceedings, and new books, in any of 50 languages, are monitored yearly, as are patent...
- CASSICassiThe Cassi are one of five tribes encountered by Julius Caesar during his second expedition to Britain in 55 BC when he crossed the Thames at Kew, and who became his allies after the Trinovantes joined him... - United States National Library of MedicineUnited States National Library of MedicineThe United States National Library of Medicine , operated by the United States federal government, is the world's largest medical library. Located in Bethesda, Maryland, the NLM is a division of the National Institutes of Health...
- Science Citation IndexScience Citation IndexThe Science Citation Index is a citation index originally produced by the Institute for Scientific Information and created by Eugene Garfield in 1960, which is now owned by Thomson Reuters. The larger version covers more than 6,500 notable and significant journals, across 150 disciplines, from ...
- Science Citation Index Expanded
- Current ContentsCurrent ContentsCurrent Contents is a rapid alerting service database from the Institute for Scientific Information, now part of Thomson Reuters, that is published online and in several different printed subject sections.-History:...
- Physical, Chemical & Earth Sciences - Computer & Control Abstracts
- Current Physics Index
- Electrical & Electronics Index
- Physics Abstracts
- PubScience