Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry

2.0 Article types

2.1 Communications

These must report preliminary research findings that are highly original, of immediate interest and are likely to have a high impact on the analytical spectroscopy community. Communications are given priority treatment, are fast-tracked through the publication process and appear prominently at the front of the journal in a dedicated Communications section. The key aim of Communications is to present innovative chemical concepts with important analytical implications. As such, Communications need only demonstrate 'proof of principle': it is not expected that the analytical figures of merit will necessarily surpass those of existing, highly refined analytical techniques. Authors should provide at the time of submission a short paragraph explaining why their work justifies urgent publication as a Communication. There is a strict three-page limit. Ideally, a Full Paper in Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry should follow each Communication.

2.2 Full Papers

These must represent a significant development in the particular field of analysis and are judged according to originality, quality of scientific content and contribution to existing knowledge. Although there is no page limit for Full Papers, appropriateness of length to content of new science will taken into consideration.

2.3 Technical Notes

These should be brief descriptions of instrumental developments, techniques or applications that offer definite advantages over those already available. Technical Notes should offer practical solutions to problems that are of interest to the JAAS readership and merit publication, but neither a Full Paper nor an Urgent Communication is justified. Technical Notes should be as brief as possible; wherever appropriate authors should use references to the established technique, explaining in full only what is novel about the proposed approach. There is a strict four-page limit. Authors are encouraged to use the RSC author templates when preparing manuscripts for submission.

2.4 Reviews

Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry publishes Critical Reviews, Tutorial Reviews and Perspectives. Potential writers should contact Dr N. Jakubowski (Reviews Editor) or the Editorial Office before embarking on their work.

2.5 Comments (Letters to the Editor)

These are a medium for the discussion and exchange of scientific opinions concerning material published in JAAS. Submitted Comments will normally be forwarded to the authors of the work being discussed, and these authors will be given the opportunity to submit a reply for publication together with the Comment. For publication of a Comment or a reply, they must be judged by the referees to be scientifically significant and of interest to the readership of JAAS. Comments and replies will be reviewed in the normal way, but additional referees will be consulted if there is an unresolved disagreement between correspondents, or where there is doubt as to the significance of the Comment or Reply. Comments should be brief and should not normally exceed a length of one printed journal page. Publication will take place only when all parties have had an opportunity to respond appropriately.