I deeply regret stepping down from the position as Editor-in-Chief of Laser and Particle Beams (LPB), but this has become necessary as my other professional responsibilities have changed. Fortunately, Dieter Hoffmann is an ideal replacement who will provide the leadership needed to maintain the quality and continue the growth of LPB. I am confident that, under his direction, the journal will continue to serve the scientific community as a leading vehicle to exchange and archive forefront research results.The success of LPB to this point has been due to the work and contributions of many people. I learned much from Heinz Hora, the founding editor of LPB, during the 4 year overlap period when I served as Managing Editor. He continued to provide much help and advice after I took over in 1992. The Associate Editors and the Editorial Board have also played an instrumental role in the Journal's operations, ranging from advice about editorial policies to helping with special issues and with Guest Editors. The many authors who have submitted such outstanding manuscripts over the years are, of course, the fundamental reason the journal is so well received in the community. The various reviewers who have given so much time to their work have been integral to maintaining the journal quality. Last, but not least, thanks goes to the Cambridge University Press staff who have so ably handled the proofing, printing and circulation of the Journal.