Hysteresis branch crossing and the Stoner–Wohlfarth model

Abstract

The Stoner–Wohlfarth model predicts the crossing of the ascending and descending branches of the hysteretic magnetization curve. This crossing behavior has widely been dismissed, with the claim that it violates the laws of thermodynamics. Experimental verification of hysteresis branch crossing has not been acknowledged in the literature. Here we show, both theoretically and experimentally, that the crossing of the ascending and descending branches of the magnetization curve is a robust, reproducible phenomenon which does not violate any fundamental law.