Hysteresis in Random Field XY and Heisenberg Models: Mean Field Theory and Simulations at Zero Temperature

Abstract

We examine zero temperature hysteresis in random field XY and Heisenberg models in the zero frequency limit of a cyclic driving field. Exact expressions for hysteresis loops are obtained in the mean field approximation. These show rather unusual features. We also perform simulations of the two models on a simple cubic lattice and compare them with the predictions of the mean field theory.