Calculation of minor hysteresis loops under metastable to stable transformations in vortex matter

We present a model in which metastable supercooled phase and stable equilib rium phase of vortex matter coexist in different regions of a sample. Minor hysteresis loops are calculated with the simple assumption of the two phas es of vortex matter having field-independent critical current densities. We use our earlier published ideas that the free energy barrier separating th e metastable and stable phases reduces as the magnetic induction moves fart her from the first order phase transition line, and that metastable to stab le transformations occur in local regions of the sample when the local ener gy dissipation exceeds a critical value. Previously reported anomalous feat ures in minor hysteresis loops are reproduced, and calculated field profile s are presented.