Electromagnetic scattering by small magnetic particles

The scattering of electromagnetic (EM) waves by small magnetic particles is studied. We show that EM scattering by small magnetic particles exhibits s ome unusual features, such as the preferential backward scattering and reso nance effects for some values of the relative magnetic permeability mu, eve n in the small-particle limit. The fact that mu is strongly dependent on th e applied magnetic field and on the temperature makes EM scattering by magn etic particles a tunable mechanism. Some possible applications of this fact are discussed. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.