| Physical Review A: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics | |
|---|---|
| Former name(s) | Physical Review, Physical Review A, General Physics |
| Abbreviated title (ISO) | Phys. Rev. A At. Mol. Opt. Phys. |
| Discipline | Atomic, molecular and optical physics |
| Language | English |
| Edited by | Gordon W. F. Drake |
| Publication details | |
| Publisher | American Physical Society (United States) |
| Publication history | 1970-present |
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Open access | Hybrid |
| Impact factor (2009) |
2.866 |
| Indexing | |
| ISSN | 1050-2947 (print) 1094-1622 (web) |
| LCCN | 90656533 |
| CODEN | PLRAAN |
| OCLC number | 21266025 |
| Links | |
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).[1]
Contents |
Fundamental topics related to atomic, molecular and optical physics are published in this journal. Quantum optics, 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 solids are included. In addition, atom clusters is an area of interest, and this includes fullerenes.[1]
New sections have been introduced which are experiencing notable expansion. These sections are quantum communication, computation, cryptography, and matter waves.[1]
This journal began as " Physical Review" 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.[2][3]
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 physics, 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.[3]
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.[3]
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.[3]
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.[3]
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.[3]
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.[4]
According to the 2009 Journal Citation Reports, the journal has an impact factor of 2.866. In addition, it is indexed in the following bibliographical databases:[4][5][6][7]