Applied Physics Letters (APL) features concise, up-to-date reports on significant new findings in applied physics. Emphasizing rapid dissemination of key data and new physical insights, APL offers prompt publication of new experimental and theoretical papers reporting applications of physics phenomena to all branches of science, engineering, and modern technology.

In addition to regular articles, the journal also publishes invited Fast Track, Perspectives, Roadmaps, and in-depth Editorials which report on cutting-edge areas in applied physics.

APL Perspectives are forward-looking invited letters which highlight recent developments or discoveries. Emphasis is placed on very recent developments, potentially disruptive technologies, open questions and possible solutions. They also include a mini-roadmap detailing where the community should direct efforts in order for the phenomena to be viable for application and the challenges associated with meeting that performance threshold. Perspectives are characterized by personal viewpoints and opinions of recognized experts in the field.

Fast Track articles are invited original research articles that report results that are particularly novel and important or provide a significant advancement in an emerging field. Authors may also provide a justification in their cover letter and request Fast Track upon submission to be considered by the Editor. Because of the urgency and scientific importance of the work, the peer review process is accelerated. If, during the review process, it becomes apparent that the paper does not meet the Fast Track criterion, it is returned to a normal track.

A Roadmap is a type of review article. This article type combines multiple sections, each written by different authors. The content of a Roadmap should focus on the status, advances, challenges, and future directions of subtopics within a field from multiple expert perspectives. As a united review, the Roadmap should provide a high-level overview of the field as a whole. Roadmaps should be composed when there is a need or opportunity for useful discussion and evaluation of the field. 

Topics covered in APL are diverse and reflect the most important subjects in applied physics, including:

• Photonics and optoelectronics
• Surfaces and interfaces
• Metasurfaces and metamaterials
• Advanced materials
• Semiconductors
• Phononic, acoustic, and thermal properties
• Magnetics and spintronics
• Superconductivity and superconducting electronics
• Dielectrics, ferroelectrics, and multiferroics
• Low-dimensional and topological materials
• Solution-processable electronics and photonics
• Device physics and nanotechnology
• Biophysics, bioimaging, and biosensors
• Energy conversion and storage
• Quantum technologies
• Interdisciplinary applied physics

2023 Journal Citation Reports^® (Clarivate, 2024)*:

* Data from the 2023 Journal Citation Reports^® Science Edition (Clarivate, 2024).

ISSN

The international standard serial number (ISSN) for Applied Physics Letters is 0003-6951 for the printed edition and the electronic ISSN (E-ISSN) is 1077-3118 for the online edition.

The CODEN is APPLAB.