Detection of noninteracting single domain particles using first-order reversal curve diagrams

Egli, Ramon; Chen, Amy P.; Winklhofer, Michael; Kodama, Kenneth P. and Horng, Chorng-Shern (2010): Detection of noninteracting single domain particles using first-order reversal curve diagrams. In: Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems, Vol. 11

Abstract

We present a highly sensitive and accurate method for quantitativedetection and characterization of noninteracting or weakly interactinguniaxial single domain particles (UNISD) in rocks and sediments. Themethod is based on high-resolution measurements of first-order reversalcurves (FORCs). UNISD particles have a unique FORC signature that can beused to isolate their contribution among other magnetic components. Thissignature has a narrow ridge along the H(c) axis of the FORC diagram,called the central ridge, which is proportional to the switching fielddistribution of the particles. Therefore, the central ridge is directlycomparable with other magnetic measurements, such as remanentmagnetization curves, with the advantage of being fully selective to SDparticles, rather than other magnetic components. This selectivity isunmatched by other magnetic unmixing methods, and offers usefulapplications ranging from characterization of SD particles forpaleointensity studies to detecting magnetofossils and ultrafineauthigenically precipitated minerals in sediments.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Geosciences > Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences > Crystallography and Materials Science
• Subjects: 500 Science > 550 Earth sciences and geology
• Language: English