Journal profile · Physics, Condensed Matter
Physica B Condensed Matter
ISSN 0921-4526 · eISSN 1873-2135 · Elsevier · NETHERLANDS · Semimonthly · Founded 1988
Physica B Condensed Matter: CAS Zone 3 · Physics & Astronomy (2025 upgraded edition); impact factor 3.18; hybrid open access; APC about USD 3,250; review about 70 days (submission to acceptance, publisher); community-reported acceptance: easy (Elsevier website: 20%); 1,137 articles in 2025; indexed in SCIE and Scopus.
Scope
Aims, scope and focus
Physica B Condensed Matter is published by Elsevier and is in Zone 3 of Physics & Astronomy in the CAS Journal Ranking (2025 upgraded edition). By OpenAlex counts of its recent articles, its largest topics are Physics of Superconductivity and Magnetism, Rare-earth and actinide compounds and Advanced Condensed Matter Physics, together about 28.6% of its articles. Its main subfields are Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics, Condensed Matter Physics and Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials. (generated from OpenAlex topic counts and CAS ranking data)
Physica B: Condensed Matter comprises all condensed matter physics, including theoretical, computational, and experimental research. These contributions must be accompanied by a thorough discussion of relevant phenomena in condensed matter and materials physics. The journal is welcoming submissions exploring the following areas: • Ordered phenomena: magnetism, ferroelectricity and multiferroics; charge and orbital orderings; spin waves; superconductivity and superfluidity; nematic phases; other ordered phases in condensed matter • Disordered phenomena: amorphous materials and glasses; spin glasses and random field systems; Anderson localization; other disordered phases in condensed matter • Optics: nonlinear optical and Kerr effects; photoluminescence; other optical effects in condensed matter • Strongly correlated systems: heavy fermions; Mott insulators; Hubbard model systems; perovskites, ruthenates; superconductors; transition metal dichalcogenides; and other systems and materials with strong electron correlations • Materials physics: exploration of materials’ properties, such as electrical conductivity, optical, mechanical, thermal, and magnetic properties beyond simple characterization, underlying the material behavior. Metals, oxides, metal-organics, polymers, ceramics, semiconductors, alloys, high entropy alloys, composites, and related materials • Nanostructures and nanomaterials: theoretical and experimental exploration of nanoscale systems, including nanoparticles; nanotubes; nanowires; quantum dots, wires, wells; thin films, and other related nanomaterials • Quantum materials: quantum Hall effect, spintronics, topological insulators, spin-liquid, spin-orbit coupling materials; other materials ruled by quantum mechanical effects • Surfaces and interfaces: theoretical and experimental analyses of surface structure, surface chemistry, and interfaces in materials; applications • Computational materials: exploration of simulation methods (including molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, and density functional theory) and modeling techniques (such as first-principles calculations, tight-binding models, and uses of machine learning) to understand materials properties or workflow developments in materials design. Investigation of materials design strategies, like high-throughput screening and other computational tools, tailored for condensed matter researchAlong the submission process, authors are requested to choose one of the following sections for their contribution:• Applied Physics• Computational Materials• Materials Physics• Nanostructures and Quantum Materials• Optics and Photonics• Ordered Phenomena• Strongly Correlated Systems
From the journal's Aims & Scope
Research area (LetPub): Physics, Condensed Matter
Editor-in-chief Mario ReisPublisher website
Editorial board by country: 5 in mainland China (about 16%); most named Brazil 7, United States 6, Mainland China 5, Spain 3, United Kingdom 2 (31 members with a country) Editorial board ↗Publisher website ·
Main research topics OpenAlex counts of recent articles; shares are approximate
- Physics of Superconductivity and MagnetismPhysics and Astronomy12.3%
- Rare-earth and actinide compoundsPhysics and Astronomy9.5%
- Advanced Condensed Matter PhysicsPhysics and Astronomy6.8%
- Quantum and electron transport phenomenaPhysics and Astronomy6.8%
- Magnetic and transport properties of perovskites and related materialsMaterials Science6.7%
- Magnetic properties of thin filmsPhysics and Astronomy4.8%
- Semiconductor Quantum Structures and DevicesPhysics and Astronomy4.1%
- Magnetic Properties of AlloysMaterials Science4.1%
Rankings & indexing
CAS ranking and database indexing
CAS Journal Ranking
CAS Journal Ranking, upgraded edition (March 2025)Physics & Astronomy Zone 3
| Level | Category | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Major | Physics & Astronomy | Zone 3 |
| Minor | Physics, Condensed Matter | Zone 3 |
Top journal: noReview journal: no
CAS Xinrui Journal Ranking (March 2026)Physics & Astronomy Zone 3
| Level | Category | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Major | Physics & Astronomy | Zone 3 |
| Minor | Physics, Condensed Matter | Zone 3 |
Top journal: noReview journal: not marked
CAS Journal Ranking, previous upgraded edition (December 2023)Physics & Astronomy Zone 3
| Level | Category | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Major | Physics & Astronomy | Zone 3 |
| Minor | Physics, Condensed Matter | Zone 3 |
Top journal: noReview journal: no
Database indexing
SCIEScopusLetPub
International journal early-warning lists: not listed in any editionLetPub
Editions, and major and minor categories, are shown separately and never merged into one zone; check which edition your institution uses before you submit or report.
Metrics
Impact metrics and publication volume
Impact
- Impact factor
- 3.18LetPub ·
- Impact factor (publisher)
- 3.2Publisher website ·
- CiteScore 2026-06
- 5.1LetPub ·
- CiteScore (publisher)
- 5.1Publisher website ·
- SJR 2026-06
- 0.48LetPub ·
- SNIP 2026-06
- 0.78LetPub ·
- h-index
- 98LetPub ·
- h-index
- 157OpenAlex ·
- i10-index
- 13,275OpenAlex ·
- 2-year mean citedness
- 3.87OpenAlex ·
- Self-citation rate
- 6.2%LetPub ·
- Share of gold OA articles
- 6.26%LetPub ·
Volume
- Articles per year
- 1,078LetPub ·
Articles by year OpenAlex count · 41,361 in total · the current year is incomplete
| Year | Articles | Open access | Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,042 | 174 | 926 |
| 2025 | 1,137 | 106 | 4,306 |
| 2024 | 1,040 | 127 | 7,219 |
| 2023 | 850 | 106 | 7,501 |
| 2022 | 750 | 77 | 8,520 |
| 2021 | 651 | 69 | 9,807 |
Sources count differently and were observed at different times, so each source's own value is kept; "publisher" marks figures from the journal's website.
Review & acceptance
Review time and acceptance
Publisher-reported review time from the journal's website
70 dayssubmission to acceptance · community reports about 3.2 months
The publisher's own definition applies; dates from this journal's articles in the last 24 months are not available yet, so the publisher's figure is used.
Figures by source
- Average review time (community reports)
- about 3.2 monthsLetPub ·
- Average acceptance (community reports)
- 20%LetPub ·
- Submission to first decision
- 3 daysPublisher website ·
- First decision after review
- 32 daysPublisher website ·
- Submission to acceptance
- 70 daysPublisher website ·
- Acceptance to publication
- 2 daysPublisher website ·
- Peer review
- Single anonymous peer reviewPublisher website
Community reports come from authors' own submissions (confidence 0.5) and are not a promise from the journal; for publisher figures, the journal's own definitions apply.
Fees & open access
APC and open-access policy
Hybrid open accessLetPub
A subscription journal in which authors can pay to publish their article open access.
| Source | APC | Fee waiver | License | Observed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenAlex | USD 3,250 / EUR 3,040 / GBP 2,600 / JPY 403,100 | — | — | |
| Publisher website | USD 3,510 | — | — |
A hybrid journal charges the APC only when the author chooses open access; publishing under the subscription model is usually free.
The journal's website is authoritative for fees; sources were observed at different times and each keeps its own value, without averaging.
Submission
Article types and submission policies (journal website)
Open calls for papers1, by deadline
Publisher websiteWhat to prepare3 items from the author guidelines
- Abstract
- ≤ 250 words
- Manuscript length
- ≤ 6,000 words
- Reference style
- Numbered, in order of citation
Article types accepted10, with length limits
- editorialOriginal Research ArticleAn Original Research Article reports complete studies and new results of interest to a wide audience.Original Research Articles should …Length not stated
- letterOriginal Research ArticleAn Original Research Article reports complete studies and new results of interest to a wide audience.Original Research Articles should …Length not stated
- letter to the editorOriginal Research ArticleAn Original Research Article reports complete studies and new results of interest to a wide audience.Original Research Articles should …Length not stated
- mini-reviewA Mini-Review offers a concise analysis of recent advancements, primarily covering literature from the past five years.Length not stated
- original researchOriginal Research ArticleAn Original Research Article reports complete studies and new results of interest to a wide audience.Original Research Articles should …Length not stated
- original research articleOriginal Research ArticleAn Original Research Article reports complete studies and new results of interest to a wide audience.Original Research Articles should …main text ≤ 6,000 words
- perspectiveOriginal Research ArticleAn Original Research Article reports complete studies and new results of interest to a wide audience.Original Research Articles should …Length not stated
- reviewOriginal Research ArticleAn Original Research Article reports complete studies and new results of interest to a wide audience.Original Research Articles should …main text ≤ 3,000 words · figures and tables ≤ 10 · references ≤ 120
- review articleOriginal Research ArticleAn Original Research Article reports complete studies and new results of interest to a wide audience.Original Research Articles should …main text ≤ 8,000 words
- tutorialOriginal Research ArticleAn Original Research Article reports complete studies and new results of interest to a wide audience.Original Research Articles should …Length not stated
Policy excerpts from the journal's websiteAI use, Authorship, Conflicts of interest, Publication ethics, License & copyright, Open access, Peer review, Preprints
- AI use Declaration of generative AI use
Authors must declare the use of generative AI tools in the manuscript preparation process upon submission of the paper.Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies (“AI tools”) have been rapidly adopted in research and scholarly publishing, offering significant benefits while requiring clear standards for responsible and transparent use.Authors preparing a manuscript for this journal may use AI tool…
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Authorship Group authorship
Group authorship refers to the attribution of an article to a defined and named group of authors whose members have contributed to the work. Examples include research consortia, clinical trial groups, collaborative networks, task forces or working groups, expert panels or consensus groups, and participatory research groups. Group authorship must be declared on the title page at submission. When av…
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Conflicts of interest Declaration of competing interests
All authors must disclose any financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that could inappropriately influence or bias their work. Examples of potential competing interests include:EmploymentConsultanciesStock ownershipHonorariaPaid expert testimonyPatent applications or registrationsGrants or any other fundingAffiliation with the journal as an Editor or Advisory Board …
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Publication ethics
Ethics in publishing Model summary
Authors must follow ethical guidelines stated in Elsevier's Publishing Ethics Policy.
Source ↗Publisher website ·- License & copyright License options
Authors will be offered open access user license options which will determine how you, and third parties, can reuse your open access article. We advise that you review these options and any funding body license requirements before selecting a license option.
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Open access Open access
We refer you to our open access information page to learn about open access options for this journal.
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Peer review Peer review
Single anonymized review process Model summary
This journal follows a single anonymized review process. Your submission will initially be assessed by our editors. If your submission is deemed suitable, it will typically be sent to be reviewed by a minimum of two reviewers for an independent expert assessment of the scientific quality. The decision as to whether your article is accepted or rejected for publication will be made by our editors.Re…
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Preprints Preprints
Preprint sharing allowed Model summary
Preprint sharingAuthors may share preprints in line with Elsevier's article sharing policy. Sharing preprints, such as on a preprint server, will not count as prior publication.We advise you to read our policy on multiple, redundant or concurrent publication. In support of Open Science, this journal offers its authors a free preprint posting service on SSRN, Elsevier’s preprint and early research …
Source ↗Publisher website ·
Excerpts are quoted from the journal's website; "model summary" lines are written by Workers AI and checked against the text. The journal's website is authoritative.
Profile
Publication details and official links
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Country or region
- NETHERLANDS
- Language
- English
- Frequency
- Semimonthly
- Founded
- 1988
- ISSN
- 0921-4526
- Electronic ISSN
- 1873-2135
- Official links
- Journal homepage ↗LetPub
- Submission system ↗Publisher website
- Special issues ↗Publisher website
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Physica B Condensed Matter
What CAS zone is Physica B Condensed Matter in?
In the 2025 upgraded edition of the CAS Journal Ranking, Physica B Condensed Matter is in Zone 3 of Physics & Astronomy, and in Zone 3 of the minor category Physics, Condensed Matter. In the 2026 Xinrui edition it is in Zone 3 of Physics & Astronomy. Zones from different editions, and from major and minor categories, are not interchangeable.
What is the impact factor of Physica B Condensed Matter?
The latest impact factor listed by LetPub is 3.18; CiteScore 5.1, h-index 157.
How long does peer review take at Physica B Condensed Matter?
The publisher reports about 70 days (submission to acceptance); authors report an average review time of about 3.2 months; the community-reported acceptance is “Easy (Elsevier website: 20%)”. Article statistics cover accepted papers only, publisher figures follow the journal's own definitions, and community reports come from authors' own submissions; none is a promise from the journal.
What are the manuscript requirements of Physica B Condensed Matter?
According to the journal's author guidelines: Abstract: ≤ 250 words; Manuscript length: ≤ 6,000 words; Reference style: Numbered, in order of citation. A model extracted these from the author guidelines and each was checked against the text; check the latest version on the journal's website before submitting.
Where are the editorial board members of Physica B Condensed Matter based?
Of the 31 board members whose country the journal's board page names, 5 (about 16%) are in mainland China; the countries named most often are Brazil (7), United States (6) and Mainland China (5). Counted from the institutions listed on the board page; for reference only.
Which databases index Physica B Condensed Matter?
According to LetPub and DOAJ records, Physica B Condensed Matter is indexed in SCIE and Scopus.
Is Physica B Condensed Matter open access, and what is the APC?
Physica B Condensed Matter is a hybrid journal. For open-access publication: APC about USD 3,250.
Sources and updates
The facts on this page come from LetPub, Publisher website, OpenAlex; every figure is tagged with its source and the date it was observed, and conflicting values are kept per source. LetPub source page: view ↗ (archived 2026-08-26). Last updated: .