Physical Review B 'Under Review': What Each Status Means and When to Expect a Decision
If your Physical Review B submission shows Under Review, here is what each status means and when to follow up.
What to do next
Already submitted to Physical Review B? Use this page to interpret the status and choose the next step.
The useful next step is understanding what the status usually means at Physical Review B, how long the wait normally runs, and when a follow-up is actually reasonable.
Physical Review B review timeline: what the data shows
Time to first decision is the most actionable number. What happens after varies by manuscript and reviewer availability.
What shapes the timeline
- Desk decisions are fast. Scope problems surface within days.
- Reviewer availability is the main variable after triage. Specialized topics take longer to assign.
- Revision rounds reset the clock. Major revision typically adds 6-12 weeks per round.
What to do while waiting
- Track status in the submission portal — status changes signal active review.
- Wait at least the journal's stated median before sending a status inquiry.
- Prepare revision materials in parallel if you expect a revise-and-resubmit decision.
_Last reviewed: 2026-05-16._
Quick answer: Physical Review B (PRB) has a 2024 JCR impact factor of 3.7, accepts about 40 percent of submissions, and reports a median first-decision time of approximately 60 to 90 days. If still Under Review past 3 weeks, you have likely cleared the initial editorial screen.
Submission portal and editorial contact: Physical Review B uses the APS Editorial Office at authors.aps.org. Editorial questions go to prb@aps.org, referencing your manuscript ID.
PRB desk-rejects roughly 20 to 30 percent in 1 to 3 weeks. If past that window, peer review is active.
While you wait
A Physical Review B submission readiness check flags condensed-matter contribution clarity, methodology completeness, and APS-format compliance issues that drive most desk rejections.
Physical Review B's review pipeline
Status | What is happening | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
Received | Administrative processing | Day 0 to 5 |
With Editor | Editor evaluating desk-screen fit | Days 5 to 21 |
Under Review | Reviewers invited or actively reviewing | Days 21 to 90 |
Required Reviews Complete | Editor synthesizing reports | 5 to 14 days |
Decision in Process | Editor finalizing decision letter | 3 to 7 days |
Decision Sent | Reject, R&R, or accept | Check email |
The editorial desk screen (about 20 to 30 percent rejected)
PRB editors evaluate condensed-matter contribution depth, methodology rigor, and APS-style compliance.
Day 0: APS Editorial Office upload
The authors.aps.org portal accepts the package and routes to a handling editor.
Days 1 to 21: Editor desk-screen
The handling editor reads the paper and decides whether to invite reviewers.
Days 21 to 42: Reviewer invitations
PRB typically invites two reviewers with condensed-matter expertise.
Days 42 to 90: Peer review
Reviewer reports return on a 6 to 12 week cadence.
Days 90 to 120: First editorial decision
Major revision is the most common outcome.
Days 120 to 270: Revision rounds and acceptance
Single-revision acceptances run roughly 5 to 7 months.
When to worry
- Rejection within 1 to 7 days: Administrative issue or scope mismatch.
- Rejection within 14 to 21 days: Desk rejection.
- Still Under Review after 4 weeks: Good sign.
- Still Under Review after 14 weeks: Reviewer delay.
Readiness check
While you wait on Physical Review B, scan your next manuscript.
The scan takes about 1-2 minutes. Use the result to decide whether to revise before the decision comes back.
What to do while waiting
- Do not contact during the first 10 weeks unless urgent.
- Prepare a point-by-point response template focused on physics contribution depth and APS format.
How PRB compares to nearby alternatives
Feature | Physical Review B | Physical Review Letters | Nature Physics | Physical Review X |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Desk rejection rate | 20 to 30 percent | 40 to 50 percent | 80 to 85 percent | 50 to 60 percent |
Desk decision speed | 14 to 21 days | 7 to 14 days | 7 to 14 days | 14 to 21 days |
Total review time | 60 to 90 days median | 4 to 8 weeks | 8 to 14 weeks | 8 to 14 weeks |
Editorial bar | Comprehensive condensed-matter | Top broad physics letters | Top physics with broad significance | High-impact open-access physics |
Submit if your paper passed the desk
If your PRB paper is Under Review past 3 weeks, you have likely cleared the desk screen.
Think twice before assuming "Under Review" means safe
Editors retain discretion to reject after partial review. Our Physical Review B manuscript fit check flags physics-contribution and format gaps before reviewers do.
For a free pre-upload diagnostic, use the Physical Review B manuscript fit check.
Last verified: PRB author guidance, APS Editorial Office at authors.aps.org, and editorial contact at prb@aps.org.
The PRB reviewer experience
Reviewer focus area | What PRB asks reviewers to evaluate | How to prepare |
|---|---|---|
Physics contribution | Is the condensed-matter advance significant? | Differentiate clearly from existing literature |
Methodology rigor | Are theoretical/experimental/computational methods sound? | Document methods carefully |
APS format | RevTeX format with appropriate structure? | Use APS template |
Reproducibility | Could another team reproduce? | Deposit data; cite software with versions |
Sister-journal fit | Better for PRL letter format or PRX? | Confirm full-length PRB fit before submission |
In our pre-submission review work with Physical Review B manuscripts
Three failure patterns generate the most consistent rejections.
Letter-format paper submitted to PRB. Should be PRL.
APS format gaps. RevTeX compliance matters.
Insufficient methods detail. Reviewers need full reproduction-level detail.
Methodology note
This page was created from PRB's public author guidance, APS Editorial Office documentation, and Manusights review work.
Frequently asked questions
Your manuscript has cleared APS Editorial Office admin checks and is being evaluated, either by the handling editor or by external peer reviewers.
Physical Review B reports a median first-decision time of approximately 60 to 90 days. Desk decisions usually arrive within 1 to 3 weeks.
Wait at least 12 weeks before inquiring. Contact prb@aps.org, referencing the manuscript ID.
Reviewers are evaluating the paper. PRB typically invites two reviewers with condensed-matter expertise.
Yes. The 60-to-90-day median means roughly half of papers take longer.
Past 14 weeks is the right moment for a polite, factual inquiry. Silence in the first 8 weeks is normal.
Sources
Best next step
Use this page to interpret the status and choose the next sensible move.
For Physical Review B, the better next step is guidance on timing, follow-up, and what to do while the manuscript is still in the system. Save the Free Readiness Scan for the next paper you have not submitted yet.
Guidance first. Use the scan for the next manuscript.
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Where to go next
Start here
Same journal, next question
- Physical Review B Review Time: What Authors Can Actually Expect
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Supporting reads
Conversion step
Use this page to interpret the status and choose the next sensible move.
Guidance first. Use the scan for the next manuscript.