Dynamic birefringence in a ferrofluid subjected to crossed bias (constant) and probing (pulse or ac) fields is considered, assuming that the nanoparticles have finite magnetic anisotropy. This is done on the basis of the general Fokker-Planck equation that takes into account both internal magnetic and external mechanical degrees of freedom of the particle. We describe the orientation dynamics in terms of the integral relaxation time of the macroscopic orientation order parameter. To account for an arbitrary relation between the bias (external) and anisotropy (internal) fields, an interpolation expression for the integral relaxation time is proposed and justified. A developed description is used to interpret the measurements of birefringence relaxation in magnetic fluids with nanoparticles of high (cobalt ferrite) and low (maghemite) anisotropy. The proposed theory appears to be in full qualitative agreement with all the experimental data available.

• Received 25 February 2002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.66.021203