New scope for Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics
Authors: Roche Olivia , Margaritondo Giorgio 
Published: September 2011

After five years of significant growth and development, and with the Impact Factor (IF) now firmly placed over 2.0, Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics (JPhysD) has seen a double change at the helm in the last 12 months. Giorgio Margaritondo from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland took over as Editor-in-Chief from Pallab Bhattacharya, while Olivia Roche took over as Publisher from Sarah Quin. We inherited a strong, successful journal. With its IF of 2.105, excellent publication times and flexible, responsive management, JPhysD has established itself as the place to publish high-quality research papers in applied physics. Having introduced Fast Track Communications (FTCs) in 2008, we also became an outlet for short, high-impact letter-like articles. FTCs, with their particularly strict refereeing, add an extra mark of quality to the content. We are keen to continue developing and strengthening the journal to make it the first choice for authors and readers.

We are lucky to be working in the exciting, rapidly-changing field of applied physics. The pace of development can sometimes be breathtaking. One of our first actions on taking over the journal was to look again at its scope. We felt it was time to respond to all the recent developments, to ensure that our scope encompasses the latest, cutting-edge research topics—so that it matches the reality of applied physics today. The first issue of the journal that will see this new scope implemented will be issue 41 of this volume. We would like to thank the entire Editorial Board for their hard work during this scope review.

The greatest change during this review has been the merging of two sections, 'Functional surfaces and interfaces' and 'Structure and properties of matter', into a new section entitled 'Condensed matter, interfaces and related nanostructures'. This change reflects the significant developments in these connected fields in recent years, particularly the natural evolution of surface and interface science—and much of condensed matter physics—towards nanoscience. We are sure this merged section will bring the authors' work in both of these sections to a broader audience.

All sections have seen some additions to, and removals from, the scope. A full copy of the new scope can be found at the end of this editorial. Some of the areas from which we are particularly keen to receive more papers include: photovoltaics, terahertz science and technology, plasmonics, spintronics, bulk magnetic materials, biomagnetism, graphene, plasma medicine and plasma propulsion. Many others are closely monitored as potential developments and we will act rapidly whenever necessary to avoid missing opportunities.

As part of these changes, we will be asking all authors to explain their choice of journal section within the new scope. We will also ask authors to submit a short statement of the applications or potential applications of their work. This will allow us to assess the suitability of the research for the journal but will also allow us to highlight the most exciting research we publish, ensuring it gets the highest possible visibility.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our hard-working and dedicated publishing team and Editorial Board. We would also like to thank the authors and referees of JPhysD, without whom the journal could not exist. We believe these changes will allow further strengthening, development and growth of the journal and we look forward to a positive future for JPhysD.