On the symmetry of a Preisach map

TL;DR

This paper challenges the common assumption of symmetry in the Preisach distribution used for modeling magnetic hysteresis, demonstrating that asymmetry allows for more accurate modeling of complex hysteretic behaviors.

Contribution

It shows that relaxing the symmetry assumption in the Preisach model enables better representation of various hysteresis phenomena, including exchange bias effects.

Findings

Asymmetrical Preisach models fit experimental data better.

Symmetry assumption limits modeling of exchange bias.

Asymmetry broadens applicability to diverse hysteretic systems.

Abstract

At the very heart of the successful phenomenological model of magnetic hysteresis there is the so called Preisach distribution. In the existing literature it is implicitly assumed, that this distribution has a mirror symmetry. We show, by simple and convincing example, that this common assumption is plainly wrong. Dropping it, we gain the ability to model not only the usual hysteresis loops (major and minor) more accurately than ever before, but also those displaying the exchange bias effect, what is impossible within the framework of the symmetrical Preisach model. It is hoped, that our observation paves the way towards the unified description of all the hysteretic systems, including, but not necessarily limited to, superconductors, (multi)layered structures, nanocrystalline materials, patterned media, and - perhaps - the other non-magnetic hysteretic phenomena.