Journal Guide
Journal of Applied Physics Impact Factor 2.5: Publishing Guide
Applied physics: materials properties, devices, and engineering applications
2.5
Impact Factor (2024)
~50-60%
Acceptance Rate
~90-120 days median
Time to First Decision
What J. Appl. Phys. Publishes
Journal of Applied Physics published by AIP is a premier journal for applied physics research and engineering. With JIF 2.5 and broad Q1-Q2 coverage, JAP emphasizes research on materials physics, device performance, and applied physics principles. The journal publishes research on semiconductors, magnetism, optics, and materials behavior. Critically: JAP values research with clear physical insight and practical application. Pure material characterization without understanding physical mechanisms is less competitive. The journal seeks papers showing how physics advances engineering.
- Semiconductor physics: band structure, charge carrier transport, device physics
- Magnetism: magnetic materials, magnetization, magnetic devices
- Optics and photonics: optical properties, photonic devices, light-matter interaction
- Mechanical properties: elastic behavior, plasticity, mechanical testing
- Thermal properties: thermal conductivity, thermal management, thermoelectrics
- Electrical properties: conductivity, resistivity, electrical characterization
- Thin films and coatings: film growth, interfaces, thin-film properties
- Device physics: transistors, sensors, detectors, device performance
Editor Insight
“JAP publishes applied physics advancing materials understanding and engineering. We seek research combining experimental characterization with theoretical physical insight.”
What J. Appl. Phys. Editors Look For
Material or device demonstrating novel physics or superior properties
Present system showing unexpected behavior or novel physical phenomenon. Better electrical properties? Novel magnetic behavior? Superior optical response? Show clear advantage.
Rigorous physical characterization and measurement
Thoroughly characterize: transport measurements, optical spectroscopy, magnetic characterization as relevant. Quantified physical properties essential.
Understanding of underlying physics driving properties or behavior
Explain physical mechanisms. What band structure effects? What magnetic interactions? What optical processes? Physics explanation essential.
Experimental-theoretical physical understanding
Combine measurements with theoretical models (band structure, magnetism theory, optical theory). Theory-experiment integration valuable.
Practical device application or engineering relevance
Show physics advances practical applications: better semiconductor, more sensitive sensor, improved optical component.
Why Papers Get Rejected
These patterns appear repeatedly in manuscripts that don't make it past J. Appl. Phys.'s editorial review:
Material characterization without physical insight or device application
JAP expects physical understanding. Measuring properties alone insufficient. What physics explains the measured behavior? What applications matter?
Device fabrication without rigorous physical characterization
Make devices only if physical insight accompanies. Show measured device performance and understand underlying physics.
No comparison with theoretical expectations or existing materials
Show measured properties compare with theory and existing standards. Why is this advance?
Incomplete physical characterization across temperature or field ranges
Physical behavior often temperature or field dependent. Comprehensive characterization needed.
Ignoring practical limitations or device considerations
Physical findings must have path to application. Address practical constraints.
Does your manuscript avoid these patterns?
The quick diagnostic reads your full manuscript against J. Appl. Phys.'s criteria and flags the specific issues most likely to cause rejection.
Insider Tips from J. Appl. Phys. Authors
Semiconductor and device physics with novel behavior highly valued
New semiconductor physics or device concepts receive strong interest.
Thermal management and thermoelectric materials increasingly important
Heat control and energy conversion physics increasingly competitive.
Magnetic materials and magnetism physics trending
Magnetism research for data storage or sensors competitive.
Photonics and optical device physics gaining prominence
Light-matter interaction and optical devices increasingly important.
2D materials and quantum phenomena emerging area
Graphene and 2D materials exhibiting quantum effects increasingly valued.
The J. Appl. Phys. Submission Process
Manuscript preparation
Prep5,000-8,000 words with 5-7 figures. Include material/device description, physical characterization, transport or optical measurements, theoretical explanation, comparison with theory.
Submission via AIP system
Day 0Submit at https://publishing.aip.org/publications/journals/journal-of-applied-physics/. Required: manuscript emphasizing physical insight, figures showing characterization.
Editorial assessment
1-2 weeksEditor assesses physical novelty and insight. Papers lacking mechanistic understanding face lower priority. Moderate desk rejection ~20-30%.
Peer review
90-120 days2-3 applied physics experts assess novelty, characterization rigor, physical understanding. First decision 90-120 days.
Revision and publication
Revision: 4-8 weeksRevisions often request additional characterization or theoretical comparison. Publication 2-4 weeks after acceptance.
J. Appl. Phys. by the Numbers
| 2024 Impact Factor | 2.7 |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 2.9 |
| Acceptance rate | ~50-60% |
| Desk rejection rate | ~20-30% |
| Median first decision | ~105 days |
| Open access option | $3,000 USD |
| Publisher | American Institute of Physics |
| Founded | 1931 |
Before you submit
J. Appl. Phys. accepts a small fraction of submissions. Make your attempt count.
The pre-submission diagnostic runs a live literature search, scores your manuscript section by section, and gives you a prioritized fix list calibrated to J. Appl. Phys.. ~30 minutes.
Article Types
Article
5,000-8,000 wordsApplied physics with experimental-theoretical understanding
Landmark J. Appl. Phys. Papers
Papers that defined fields and changed science:
- Semiconductor band structure and transport (various) - device physics
- Magnetic materials and magnetization (various) - data storage and sensing
- Photonic and optical device physics (various) - light manipulation
- Thermal conductivity and thermoelectrics (2000s+) - energy applications
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Primary Fields
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