Definition of the magnetic ground state using Preisach-based aftereffect models

Preisach-based aftereffect models are employed to define the ground state o f a magnetic system. Foul different types of processes due to thermal pertu rbations, AC demagnetization, Curie point demagnetization and DC demagnetiz ation are reviewed and compared with each other. By modeling the time evolu tion of the magnetization and magnetic field on the Preisach plane, it is s hown that the asymptotic state of the system due to thermal perturbations i s the true magnetic ground state. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.