Physics & Astronomy
Resources for searching the physics literature
Science Librarian
Key Databases
Begin your search for journal articles with these databases:
-
INSPEC (1896-2020)The primary database for searching the physics literature.
After December 2020, new content will not be added. We will have access to 1896-2020 only. -
Web of Science (1900-present)The major multidisciplinary index covering journal articles and conference proceedings in sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Provides cited reference searching and journal impact factors.
wos -
ScopusA multidisciplinary database covering peer-reviewed literature in science, engineering, medicine, and social sciences (including some arts & humanities). Coverage is strongest from 1996 to present. Complements Web of Science.
-
arXiv.orgA repository of research articles in physics, mathematics, computer science, and nonlinear sciences.
Related Science Databases
-
SAO/NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)A bibliographic database covering astronomy, planetary science, and physics.
-
Compendex (1884-present)The primary database for engineering and covers areas such as engineering physics, materials science, acoustics, and optics.
-
GeoRef (1669-present)Covers the geosciences, including geophysics, geochemistry, extraterrestrial geology, and crystallography.
-
INSPIRE-HEPA high-energy physics literature database.
-
ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global (1861-present)Dissertations and theses in all disciplines from around the world, some with full-text. For UTK dissertations/theses published since 2006, see Trace.
-
SciTech Connect (1940s-present)Covers energy-related journal articles, conference papers, technical reports, and more. Subject areas include energy, materials, and physics.
Journal & E-Book Collections
Searching the full-text of journal articles can be a useful strategy if you are not getting many results from the databases. Keep in mind that your search will be narrowed to a single publisher's journals.
-
AIP ScitationContains content from several publishers including the Acoustical Society of America and the American Institute of Physics.
-
Institute of PhysicsIncludes journals such as Astrophysical Journal, Europhysics Letters, and Journal of Physics A-G.
-
Optics InfoBaseJournals published by The Optical Society.
-
Physical Review Online Archive (PROLA)The American Physical Society's archive for Physical Review Letters, Reviews of Modern Physics, and Physical Review A-E.
-
ScienceDirectA large collection of journals and books in all disciplines published by Elsevier. UTK has access to contents marked with a green icon.
-
SpringerLinkFull-text journals (1800s-present) and e-books (1800s-2016) published by Springer.
-
Wiley Online LibraryFull-text of selected journals and e-books in all disciplines published by Wiley.