INTERACTING SMALL-PARTICLE SYSTEMS - MODIFIED LOCAL-MEAN-FIELD MODEL

The use of local-field equations allows for a detailed analysis of sma ll-particle systems. Magnetic properties of the random, dipolar system are studied. Within the presented model the blocking temperature for each particle can be estimated. For a random distribution of easy magn etization axes and for some types of interparticle interactions, the m ean blocking temperature can decrease with increasing local field. Thi s result confirms experimental results for more concentrated particle systems. The method allows a more detailed study of the interplay betw een interaction and blocking phenomena.