Modified Maxwell Garnett model for hysteresis in phase change materials

Abstract

Analytical modelling of hysteresis is used to provide crucial prediction and insight for phase transitions in materials. Here we present a modified Maxwell Garnett model for analysing electromagnetic hysteresis. The model uses an asymmetric effective medium approximation to describe intermediate states in the phase change, establishing a link between effective medium and hysteresis analysis. Numerical calculation was performed on an example material, vanadium dioxide, for quantitative demonstration and future experimental verification. The model is easy to use, requires very few input parameters, and provides a phenomenological approach to describing electromagnetic hysteresis in various phase change materials.