Analytical Sciences

Call for Papers


Volume 27, Number 1 (2011)

Advances in Scanning Probe Microscopies for Nanomaterial Analyses −From Basic Science to Quantitative Nanofunctionality Analyses−

More than a quarter-century has passed since the invention of the scanning probe microscope (SPM), represented by the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and the atomic force- microscope (AFM). Since then various SPM characterization methods have been derived from STM and AFM. Nowadays, SPM is being applied to wide research fields and materials, such as semiconductors, metal, ceramics, supra-molecules, polymers, deoxyribonucleic acid, proteins, cells and so on. Compared with other microscopies with a spatial resolution at the nanoscale, SPM has a superior analytical capability of a wide range of physical quantities and features, such as size, shape, atomic structure, electronic state, mechanical property, optical property, and magnetic property of matter and material. SPM is being used not only as a basic research analysis tool of materials, but is also being employed as inspection tools indispensable for various industries. For example, SPM has firmed its status as a quantitative characterization tool at the nanoscale, which is indispensable for developing and inspecting semiconductor devices and magnetic-storage devices. As the popularization of SPM develops, the research and development of SPMs for the direct characterization and evaluation of the physical properties and functions of novel nanoscale materials has been growing greatly in recent years. Also, the establishment and standardization of quantitative analysis methods for a reliable and reproducible characterization of nanoscale properties obtained by SPM are strongly demanded.

Moreover, the importance of theoretical research and computational science has been increased significantly, since they can clarify the interactions between probes and surfaces at the nanoscale, giving correct interpretations of data.

From such a background, the editorial committee of Analytical Sciences has determined to publish a special issue in January 2011, which is entitled gAdvances in Scanning Probe Microscopies for Nanomaterial Analysesh. Reviews, Original Papers, and Notes related to the recent development of SPM nanocharacterization methods for advanced materials and devices will be included. Papers on SPM quantitative analysis, standardization of SPM, simulation and modeling based on theory and computational science, and other related matters are welcomed. The submitted papers shall be reviewed normally, according to the regular procedure of the journal.

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Volume 26, Number 2 (2010)

Advances in Surface Chemical Analysis −From Fundamentals to Standardization−

The concept of surface analysis was established over a half century ago. Nowadays, surface and near-surface layer chemical analysis with electrons, ions, x-rays, and light is used extensively for a wide range of purposes in both science and technology. Technologically, surface and interface properties are crucial for the fabrication and performance of a wide range of advanced materials. Surface chemical analysis has been used in these applications as a key technology for characterization. Advances have been supported by the development of new instruments and progress in understanding electron transport in solids, the theory of inner-shell ionization and so on.

The Editorial Board of Analytical Sciences plans to publish a special issue, entitled gAdvances in Surface Chemical Analysis −From Fundamentals to Standardization−h, in February, 2010. This issue will focus on both fundamental and applied research in the fields of surface and near-surface layer analysis with electrons, ions, x−rays, and light. As the Guest Editor, I am inviting the submission of papers concerning recent research work relevant to this theme.

The deadline for submitting papers is the end of August, 2009. Those who wish to submit their paper(s) (Reviews, Original Papers, or Notes), on this occasion are kindly requested to notify us of your tentative paper(s) title(s) by the end of June, 2009. Submitted papers will be peer-reviewed according to the usual process of Analytical Sciences. Please feel free to contact the guest editor. We are looking forward to your contributions.

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Volume 25, Number 8 (2009)

Advances in Bioanalysis −New Analytical Technologies and Their Applications−

Life-science research is now moving from genomics towards a postgenomic era with transcriptomics, metabolomics and proteomics. The bioanalytical field is expected to play a crucial role.@Novel innovative and high-performance bioanalytical techniques provide the means for new applications in medicine and life science.

The Editorial Board of Analytical Sciences plans to publish a special issue, entitled "Advances in Bioanalysis", in August 2009. This issue will focus on both fundamental and applied research in the field of bioanalytical analysis. As the Guest Editor, I am inviting the submission of papers concerning recent research work relevant to this theme.

The deadline for submitting papers is the end of February, 2009. Those who wish to submit their paper(s) (Reviews, Original Papers, or Notes), on this occasion are kindly requested to notify us of your tentative paper(s) title(s) by the end of December, 2008. Submitted papers will be peerreviewed according to the usual process of Analytical Sciences. Please feel free to contact the guest editor. We are looking forward to your contributions.

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Volume 25, Number 2 (2009)

Analytical Prospects of Nanoparticles and Nanointerfaces

Molecular recognition often occurs at an interface. A particle can be a useful platform for molecular separation and construction of sensing devices. Although interfaces and particles have thus played essential roles in the developments of analytical methodology, analytical chemists have not necessarily paid special attention to such aspects when working on macroscopic scales. Recent developments of instrumental measurements have allowed us to work on the molecular bases, and nanotechnology provides various materials designed in the micro- to nanometer dimensions. Analytical chemists should open new frontiers by dealing with nanomaterials in proper ways and should facilitate deeper understanding of the chemistry taking place therein through the developments of novel approaches to nanospaces.

The Editorial Board of Analytical Sciences plans to publish a special issue entitled "Analytical Prospects of Nanoparticles and Nanointerfaces" in February 2009. As the Guest Editor, I would like to invite you to submit a paper of your recent research work relevant to this theme. A simple application of nanomaterials to accomplished methods will not be considered for publication, unless a novel idea or concept is involved. If a clear perspective into the nano-dimension is indicated, work done on larger scales can also be included.

The deadline for submitting papers (Reviews, Original Papers, or Notes) is August 29, 2008. Those who are interested in this issue are encouraged to inform the guest editor of the tentative title of the paper by E-mail by June 30, 2008. Submitted papers will be peer-reviewed basically following the usual process of the Journal. Earlier submission will be welcomed to expedite the publication procedure. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions on this matter. We are looking forward to your contributions.

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Volume 24, Number 10 (2008)

Ionic Liquids
-Properties and Analytical Applications-

Room-temperature ionic liquids, non-volatile and non-flammable, are considered to be environment-friendly green solvents. The usage as alternatives to molecular solvents for organic and inorganic syntheses, separation and purification, and also as functional materials for electrochemical devices, CO2 absorber, lubricants, etc. has been extensively studied. The number of reported papers is increasing, particularly in the field of analytical chemistry, among others.

Therefore, the Editorial Board of Analytical Sciences plans to publish a special issue on "Ionic Liquids—Properties and Analytical Applications—" in October, 2008. This special issue will focus on (1) syntheses and structure, (2) acid-base, redox and other liquid properties, (3) solvation and complexation of ions and molecules, (4) extraction, separation and other analytical applications, and (5) electrochemical and biochemical applications, of ionic liquids. This issue welcomes original papers concerning solvent properties and applications of room-temperature ionic liquids.

The deadline for the submission of papers is the end of March, 2008. Those who wish to submit their paper(s) (Original Papers, Notes, or Reviews), on this occasion are kindly requested to notify us of your tentative title(s) of the paper(s) by the end of January, 2008. Submitted papers will be peer-reviewed according to the usual process of Analytical Sciences. Please feel free to contact the guest editor.

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Volume 24, Number 1 (2008)

Innovations in Analytical Sciences

It is essential for the discovery and elucidation of new phenomena to develop novel analytical techniques. The aim of innovations in analytical sciences is to create new technologies that allow unknown phenomena or chemical species to be measurable and detectable. There are many phenomena or materials that can be uncovered only by novel analytical technologies. The innovations include the development of analytical tools in relation to topics such as the structure and function analysis of biological matters and the life-related phenomena, the atomic and molecular scale measurements at the surfaces and interfaces, and the environmental and ecosystems analysis. The topics also include peripheral technologies that offer potential breakthroughs in measurement and analysis, for example, in the area of sample pretreatments, new analytical reagents, and software.

On the basis of this background information, the journal Analytical Sciences has a plan to publish a special issue entitled, "Innovations in Analytical Sciences" under the supervision of Dr. Shigeru Terabe (Emeritus Prof. University of Hyogo) as a guest editor.

The editorial committee cordially invites you to contribute your paper (Original Papers, Short Reviews, and Notes) on innovations in measurement analysis for this special issue of Analytical Sciences. The review process is the same as that of the normal issue. Please submit your paper to the e-mail address of the guest editor listed below.

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Volume 23, Number 7 (2007)

Advanced Vibrational Spectroscopy   −from Near-infrared to Terahertz−

Recent rapid development in vibrational spectroscopy has greatly encouraged its application to analytical chemistry. One direction of the development of vibrational spectroscopy is an extension of wavelength regions. This has brought rapid advancement of vibrational spectroscopy particularly in near-infrared region and Terahertz region. Another direction is progress in imaging, nondestructive analysis, and in-situ analysis. It has facilitated to analysis as it is without destruction. Meanwhile, there have been great strides made in the studies of Raman spectroscopy, for example, like femtosecond time-resolved spectroscopy, CARS microscopy, near-field Raman spectroscopy and SERS. The special issue on vibrational analysis has been planned in these circumstances. Papers are welcome on new experimental techniques, new spectral analysis methods, and new applications to analytical chemistry for near-infrared, infrared, Terahertz, and Raman spectroscopy.

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