Academic Journal
Q1Light: Science and Applications
About Light: Science and Applications
About Light: Science and Applications
Light: Science and Applications is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal published by Nature Publishing Group (United Kingdom). It focuses on Materials Science Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials Physics and Astronomy Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics. Publication coverage spans 2012-2026.
Key indicators: ISSN 20477538; H-index 193; Impact Factor 5.187; 49 quartile.
Understanding This Journal's Metrics
Journal metrics help researchers assess fit, but they must be interpreted in context:
- H-index (193): Exceptionally high — 193 articles have each been cited at least 193 times. This indicates deep, sustained influence in the field.
- Quartile (49): Ranked 49 among journals in its subject category — position relative to category peers.
- Impact Factor (5.187): Average citations per recent article. A solid figure indicating regular citation by the research community.
Publishing in Light: Science and Applications
This is a well-regarded journal with a solid reputation. Manuscripts should present clear advances and be methodologically rigorous. Competition is significant but the venue is accessible to strong research.
- Scope fit: Confirm your research aligns with Materials Science Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials Physics and Astronomy Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics. Off-scope manuscripts are typically desk-rejected quickly.
- Author guidelines: Follow formatting, reference style, and article-type requirements exactly — non-compliant manuscripts may be returned without review.
- Submission: Submit via the official journal website.
- Charges: Listed APC: $4095 USD. Verify current fees with the publisher.
Is This Journal Right for Your Paper?
- Audience match: Will the journal's readers cite and build on your findings?
- Timeline: Higher-tier journals mean longer review and higher rejection risk. Balance prestige against your schedule.
- Indexing: Confirm indexing in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed (if biomedical) meets your institutional requirements.
- Open access needs: Check funder mandates and whether the journal offers compliant OA options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ISSN of Light: Science and Applications?
20477538.
Who publishes Light: Science and Applications?
Nature Publishing Group.
What are Light: Science and Applications's metrics?
Impact Factor 5.187; H-index 193.
Where do I submit to Light: Science and Applications?
Via the official website.
Is Light: Science and Applications peer-reviewed?
Yes — it is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal indexed in major academic databases.
Light: Science & Applications is a prestigious, peer-reviewed, open-access scientific journal dedicated to the field of optics and photonics. Jointly published by the Nature Publishing Group and the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this journal is recognized globally for its high-quality research and significant contributions to the science of light.
With a mission to advance the understanding and application of light-based technologies, Light: Science & Applications serves as a central platform for scientists, researchers, and engineers across disciplines including physics, engineering, materials science, biology, and information technology.
What Makes Light: Science & Applications Unique?
The journal covers a wide range of topics related to light and photonic technologies. Areas of focus include:
Optical and quantum physics
Laser science and laser-based applications
Nanophotonics and metasurfaces
Biophotonics and optical imaging
Photonics for communications and information processing
Integrated optics and optoelectronic devices
This wide scope allows Light to showcase interdisciplinary research that bridges theory, experimentation, and practical application.
High Impact and Global Recognition
Light: Science & Applications consistently ranks among the top journals in the field of optics and photonics. With a strong impact factor and widespread citation across scientific publications, the journal has become a trusted resource for breakthrough studies and novel technologies involving light.
As an open-access journal, it ensures that every article is freely accessible worldwide, maximizing visibility, usage, and academic impact. This aligns with the journal's goal of promoting global knowledge sharing and accelerating scientific innovation.
A Trusted Platform for Authors and Institutions
For researchers looking to publish their work, Light: Science & Applications offers a reputable platform that emphasizes:
Rigorous peer review
Rapid publication times
High visibility through Nature’s distribution network
Strong editorial and ethical standards
Whether you're a seasoned researcher or a rising academic, publishing in Light can elevate your work to a broader audience and contribute to your professional credibility in the field.
Supporting the Advancement of Photonic Sciences
In addition to original research articles, the journal features review papers, editorials, technical reports, and special issues focused on emerging topics in photonics. These contributions offer valuable insights and help guide future research directions in both fundamental science and industrial applications.
Open-access policies and author information
Reported in the official DOAJ public CSV snapshot (2026-09-01), downloaded 2026-10-03. Record updated 2026-03-17. This snapshot does not establish today’s listing status or fee quotation.
Publisher policy links recorded by DOAJ
- Aims and scope ↗
- Editorial board ↗
- Instructions for authors ↗
- Peer-review policy ↗
- Publication fees ↗
- Fee waivers ↗
- Licence terms ↗
- Copyright policy ↗
- Preservation policy ↗
Source: DOAJ journal record. Journal metadata is distributed by DOAJ under CC0. Confirm current fees, tax, eligibility and waiver terms with the publisher.
Source-backed journal facts
Topics in published research
Photonic and Optical Devices; Metamaterials and Metasurfaces Applications; Plasmonic and Surface Plasmon Research; Advanced Fiber Laser Technologies; Orbital Angular Momentum in Optics; Photonic Crystals and Applications.
OpenAlex classifies topics from published works. These topics are not the publisher’s official aims and scope.
Source: OpenAlex source record. Retrieved 2026-10-03. Source record updated 2026-10-02. OpenAlex metrics are different from SCImago metrics and the Clarivate Journal Impact Factor.
Journal Metrics
Quartile, SJR and the listed SCImago H-index use the 2025 imported SCImago dataset. A quartile may vary by subject category. Values without a source or reporting year are unverified historical entries. Verify the current Journal Impact Factor with Clarivate or the publisher before using it.
Aims & Scope
Light: Science & Applications is a high-impact, peer-reviewed open-access journal that focuses on publishing cutting-edge research in the fields of optics, photonics, and light-based technologies. Jointly published by the Nature Publishing Group and the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the journal has rapidly become a global leader in disseminating scientific advancements related to the science of light.
The scope of Light: Science & Applications is broad yet meticulously curated to include the most significant developments in light-matter interactions, innovative photonic devices, and real-world applications of optical technologies. As a cross-disciplinary journal, Light connects physics, engineering, biology, materials science, and chemistry through a shared focus on the science and use of light.
Core Areas Covered by the Journal
The scope of Light encompasses both theoretical and experimental research in several key areas:
1. Optical and Quantum Physics
The journal welcomes fundamental studies on the behavior of light at the classical and quantum levels. Topics include:
Quantum optics
Nonlinear optics
Optical coherence and interference
Light-matter interactions
2. Photonics and Photonic Devices
Light publishes research on the design, fabrication, and application of advanced photonic systems, such as:
Photonic crystals
Metamaterials and metasurfaces
Integrated photonic circuits
Semiconductor lasers and detectors
3. Laser Science and Technology
Contributions in this area focus on the development and application of laser technologies, including:
Ultrafast lasers
High-power lasers
Fiber lasers and solid-state lasers
Laser applications in industry, healthcare, and defense
4. Nanophotonics and Plasmonics
The journal explores how light behaves at the nanoscale, covering:
Surface plasmon resonance
Nano-optics
Light manipulation using nanostructures
Optical tweezers and nanomanipulation
5. Biophotonics and Imaging
This includes optical tools and systems for life sciences, such as:
Fluorescence imaging
Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Photodynamic therapy
Biosensors
6. Optical Communication and Information Processing
With the rise of photonic computing and data networks, the journal also addresses:
Optical fibers and waveguides
Photonic signal processing
Quantum communication
5G and next-gen photonic networks
Interdisciplinary and Applied Research
Light: Science & Applications encourages interdisciplinary studies that integrate optics with fields such as materials science, artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, and environmental science. The journal emphasizes real-world applications, including:
Medical diagnostics and therapies
Sustainable energy solutions
Advanced manufacturing
Smart sensors and IoT devices
Recent Research Articles
Latest publications matched automatically by ISSN.
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Myoung-Gyun Suh, David Dang, Maodong Gao, Yucheng Jin et al.
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Zhuoran Wang, Santiago Bernal, David V. Plant, Lawrence R. Chen et al.
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Fu Feng, Ziyang Zhang, Dewang Huo, Xiaolong Li et al.
2026-09-16 · DOI: 10.1038/s41377-026-02366-7Narrowband, angle-stable, and highly efficient polariton organic light emitting diodes employing thermally activated delayed fluorescence
Andreas Mischok, Simon Lennartz, Vanessa Gruber, Francisco Tenopala-Carmona et al.
2026-09-14 · DOI: 10.1038/s41377-026-02415-1Exceptional points, lasing, and coherent perfect absorption in Floquet scattering systems
David Globosits, Puneet Garg, Jakob Hüpfl, Adrià Canós Valero et al.
2026-09-09 · DOI: 10.1038/s41377-026-02380-9Tuning superposition of multiple Fano interferences for efficient plasmon resonance energy transfer to the assembled molecules
Yishuang Wang, Xueqing Sang, Zhen-Long Dou, Qin-Xing Zhou et al.
2026-09-09 · DOI: 10.1038/s41377-026-02381-8Enhanced infrared-to-visible upconversion imaging via metasurface–lanthanide nanoparticle hybrid screens
Nima Sefidmooye Azar, Matthew Parry, Xiao Qi, Changhwan Lee et al.
2026-09-09 · DOI: 10.1038/s41377-026-02449-5Broadening the color palette of optical skyrmions
Mingjian Cheng, Andrew Forbes
2026-09-08 · DOI: 10.1038/s41377-026-02466-4An “interlocking” core-shell architecture stabilises perovskite nanocrystal emitters
Xinyu Shen, Henry J. Snaith
2026-09-08 · DOI: 10.1038/s41377-026-02441-zReviews
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Version History
October 9, 2026 at 9:30 am
April 22, 2025