Spectroscopy Author Guidelines

1. Information for Authors

Spectroscopy welcomes manuscripts that describe techniques and applications of all forms of analytical spectroscopy, particularly those that are of immediate interest to users in industry, academia, and government.

Techniques covered include molecular spectroscopy techniques such as Raman, infrared, near-infrared, terahertz, fluorescence, and UV-vis spectroscopy and atomic spectroscopy techniques such as inductively coupled plasma­–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), inductively coupled plasma­­–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS), and X-ray techniques.

Papers on organic mass spectrometry, including direct MS and MS coupled to separation techniques like liquid or gas chromatography, should be submitted to LCGC or for Current Trends in Mass Spectrometry (CTMS).

Manuscripts are reviewed with the understanding that they have not been published previously and are not under consideration for publication elsewhere. Authors are responsible for all statements made in their work. All manuscripts are subject to peer review and copyediting. Authors of accepted papers will have an opportunity to review galleys. If illustrations or other material in a manuscript have been published previously, the author is responsible for obtaining permission to republish.

2. Types of Manuscripts

Technical articles

Technical articles describe improved methods or improvements in techniques and should be of immediate relevance to spectroscopy users. Authors should not make comparisons between commercially available products from different manufacturers.

Review articles

Review articles survey recent developments and the state of the art of current techniques or emerging technologies. We urge authors to submit a proposal to the editor before completing a manuscript.

Tutorials

A tutorial article should be a short primer or tutorial on (a) an analytical spectroscopy technique generally; (b) a specific aspect of a technique; or (c) the application of a technique to a certain type of analysis. Tutorials should be approximately 800–1500 words long, including a very short abstract or “teaser” of ~3 sentences, plus up to a combined total of 2 figures and tables. We suggest that tutorials follow one of two types:

Key Steps to Follow: List and describe five or more of the most important steps for using the technique for the first time (or each time).

Key Errors to Avoid: List and describe the five or more most serious mistakes users of the technique make that result in errors or problems.

3. Manuscript length

Most manuscripts for regular issues of Spectroscopy should be ~2500–3500 words long plus up to six figures and tables (combined total). Tutorials, as indicated above, should be ~800–1500 words long.

Manuscripts for special issues or supplements should of the length indicated in the call for papers or invitation.

4. Manuscript Preparation

For papers with multiple authors, designate a single author to handle correspondence. Include this author's e-mail address in the manuscript and in the e-mail message that accompanies the manuscript. Before submitting the completed work, authors are urged to review manuscripts for clarity of expression, details of grammar, and typographical accuracy. Authors for whom English is a second language are encouraged to seek writing help before submitting papers.

Key words or phrases

All manuscripts should include a list of approximately five key words or phrases.

Technical manuscripts should be presented in an abbreviated scientific format and should include the following:

Abstract: Very brief (100-150 words). Mention subjects studied, methods used, principal observations made, and conclusions reached.

Introduction: Without repeating published information, discuss the relationship of your work to previously published work. Describe the novelty or importance of the research presented.

Experimental: Present enough information that an experienced spectroscopist would be able to reproduce the work. List those components of the experimental design that are of a specialized nature, including equipment manufacturers names and locations in parentheses after reference to specific types of equipment. Do not list equipment, reagents, or procedures that are normally found in the laboratory or that are common knowledge in the field.

Results and discussion: Focus your comments on the needs of users of spectroscopy and stress the practical importance of your findings.

Conclusion: Summarize the main points of your article, and state important conclusions or recommendations.

4. Formatting

Please see the “LCGC and Spectroscopy Formatting Help Guide” for the details of how to format your manuscript, including figures, tables, and references.

5. Where to Submit Manuscripts

Send manuscripts for Spectroscopy to Caroline Hroncich at chroncich@mjhlifesciences.com or Jerry Workman, Jr. at jworkman@mjhlifesciences.com.