Review of singular point detection techniques

Abstract

The singular point detection (SPD) is the most powerful technique for the study of singularities in magnetization curves of polycrystalline samples. According to the SPD theory, the reversible magnetization curve of a polycrystalline ferromagnetic sample has an hidden singularity that shows up in the derivative, the derivative order depending on the particular crystal symmetry. The SPD technique finds its natural experimental use in the domain of pulsed high magnetic fields, where it can be conveniently used to perform measurements on high anisotropy materials. We present here a review of the various practical applications of SPD which have been exploited in magnetism laboratories: anisotropy field measurements, texture determination of polycrystalline magnets, measurement of the critical field in first-order magnetization processes (FOMPs) and double FOMPs.