Announcement: Unification of Optics Papers in the Physical Review (January 2, 2007)

Physical Review A is the journal most closely associated with the subject matter covered by the Division of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics of the American Physical Society. In fact, ever since the restructuring that occurred in January 1990, the journal has had the subtitle Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics. The journal has grown and developed tremendously since then as the field of AMO physics has expanded.

At the time of the 1990 restructuring, the section dealing with quantum optics, nonlinear optics, and related topics was split into two parts, with quantum optics remaining in Physical Review A and other topics in optics (mainly classical optics of various types, including nonlinear phenomena) eventually becoming part of Physical Review E with its formation as a distinct journal in July 1993.

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in optical solitons, both quantum and classical. Since these are now split between Physical Review A and E along the quantum/classical divide, the Editors of both journals have reexamined the division of subject matter. After consultation with the APS Division of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics, and the Division of Laser Science, we have determined that there is broad support for a reunification of all papers on optics, both quantum and classical, in Physical Review A.

Therefore, as of January 1, 2007, new submissions on the following topics and PACS numbers will be considered for publication in Physical Review A instead of Physical Review E:

42.15.−i Geometrical optics

42.25.−p Wave optics

42.30.−d Imaging and optical processing

42.40.−i Holography

42.65.Tg Optical solitons; nonlinear guided waves

42.65.Wi Nonlinear waveguides (optical part only)

42.70.−a Optical materials (except 42.70.Df)

42.79.−e Optical elements, devices, and systems

42.81.−i Fiber optics

Note that 42.68.−w, Atmospheric and ocean optics, will remain in Physical Review E due to its relation to other topics published there. The move to Physical Review A will not affect papers already in progress at Physical Review E. With these changes, the Editors expect that we will continue to provide the best possible service to our research communities.