Magnetization reversal mechanisms in small antiferromagnetic particles

A model is derived to analyze the magnetization reversal mechanisms in small antiferromagnetic particles. Two magnetization reversal mechanisms are observed. In the first, the switching field reverses all spins in the particle and the magnetization relaxes to the opposite remanence following the removal of the applied field. In the second, particle magnetization disappears at a switching field which distorts the surface spin alignment and creates an opposite moment in the antiferromagnetic core of the particle.