Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter covers the whole of condensed matter physics including soft condensed matter and nanostructures. Papers may report experimental, theoretical and simulation studies. Note that papers must contain fundamental condensed matter science: papers reporting methods of materials preparation or properties of materials without novel condensed matter content will not be accepted.

To be publishable in Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter papers must fit the scope of the journal and meet the highest scientific quality standards. In addition, they should contain significant and original new science and make a substantial advance within a particular area of condensed matter physics.

Papers are published under the following subject sections:

• Surface, interface and atomic-scale science
• Liquids, soft matter and biological physics
• Nanostructures and nanoelectronics
• Solid structure and lattice dynamics
• Electronic structure
• Correlated electrons
• Superconductors and metals
• Semiconductors
• Dielectrics and ferroelectrics
• Magnetism and magnetic materials

Research papers

Reports of original research work; normally not more than 8500 words.

Fast track communications

The journal offers open access to outstanding short papers reporting new and timely developments in condensed matter physics. These articles will be of importance to readers of Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter, but are not expected to meet any requirement of 'general interest'. FTCs will be processed quickly and are permanently free to read in the electronic journal. To facilitate a fast review process, we urge authors to restrict the length of their article to 8 journal pages (5000 words). Authors submitting fast track communications should provide reasons why the work is urgent and requires rapid publication. They will be refereed by a member of the Editorial Board who will check that they have the necessary urgency.

Topical reviews

Topical reviews present a snapshot of recent progress in a particular field. They often deal with subjects which are still developing rapidly so a comprehensive review is not possible. They may focus on the authors¡¦ own work and may contain a mixture of review and original material. They are usually commissioned by the Editorial Board, but submitted reviews will also be considered. They should be between 10000 and 15000 words in length.

Special requirements

Authors of all articles are required upon submission to disclose any potential conflict of interest (e.g. employment, consulting fees, industrial research contracts, stock ownership, equity interests, patent-licensing arrangements, honoraria, etc) in their covering letter. If the article is subsequently accepted for publication, this information should be included in an acknowledgments section. Authors should also note that the journal fully endorses the principles embodied in the Declaration of Helsinki. All investigations involving humans must be conducted in accordance with these principles and in accordance with local statutory requirements. Articles relying on clinical trials should quote the trial registration number at the end of the abstract. We also encourage the registration of such studies in a public trials registry prior to publication of the results in the journal. All investigations involving animal experimentation must be conducted in accordance with the Guiding Principles for Research Involving Animals and Human Beings as adopted by The American Physiological Society, and with local statutory requirements.