references in arrays

Hi, For performance' sake, I have to know if this is true: Is it the case that when I do this: <?php $array = array("one" => array(0,1,2), "two" => array(4,5,6)); $one = $array["one"]; ?> That $one is not a copy, but a reference to $array["one"] and will only become a copy when I alter the contents of $one? I know this is the case for regular variables, but does this also go for contents of arrays? If not, I need to use the ampersand like I used to. But if it really is just a reference, that would be good to know as I shouldn't be using the ampersand at all (mistakingly thinking it's a performance advantage when it's actually not). Thanks, Ron