Comment on “Nano-particle magnetism with a dispersion of particle sizes” [J. Appl. Phys. 112, 103915 (2012)]

Abstract

A recent paper1 examines zero field-cooled/field-cooled (ZFC/FC) susceptibility curves for nanoparticle assemblies with a size distribution. It is explained that the “volume and number weighted distribution are equally valid for the representation of distribution functions in nanoparticle magnetic systems” and the usual modelling approach (abrupt transition from a blocked to a superparamagnetic regime, at a given temperature) is compared to the more elaborate one (the “progressive crossover model (PCM)”) introduced in our previous articles.2–4 The importance of the f0 value is also stressed. In this article, several statements are made in opposition to some of our previously published results. Because we like to believe that these words were driven by a simple “misunderstanding” of our models and analysis, we would like to clarify some points in the present comment.