Micromagnetic modeling of first-order reversal curve (FORC) diagrams for single-domain and pseudo-single-domain magnetite

First-order reversal curve (FORC) diagrams have been experimentally shown to be a better way of discriminating domain states in a sample compared to the straightforward use of major hysteresis loops. In order to better understand the fundamental behavior of assemblages of single-domain (SD) grains, we used a micromagnetic model with a conjugate gradient algorithm to calculate FORC diagrams for isolated grains of magnetite as well as for arrays of grains. In the case of individual elongated grains, we found that the FORC diagram consists of a single peak centered on the coercive force H-c if the grain is SD. For a pseudo-single-domain (PSD) grain with vortex structure, we observe multiple peaks on the FORC diagram. The modeling of arrays of elongated SD particles reveals two distinct types of patterns depending on the spacing between particles. In a 2X2X2 array of particles, a secondary branch on the reversal curves appears if the spacing between particles is less than about twice the particle length. This feature translates into the appearance of one negative and three positive peaks on the FORC diagram. In the case of a 3 X 3 X 3 array of particles, we again observe several secondary branches when the spacing between grains is less than about twice the particle length, leading to the appearance of multiple peaks on the FORC diagram. Splitting of the central peak on the H-u axis when particles interact could explain the vertical spread of FORC distributions of natural interacting samples as an effect of superposition of multiple peaks caused by the random orientation and distributions of particle spacing and switching fields of a large number of grains. The presence of symmetric peaks on a FORC diagram can be an indicator of the presence of either small PSD grains or magnetic interactions in an ensemble of grains. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.