Dynamic magnetic response of a ferrofluid in a static uniform magnetic field

A theory for the frequency-dependent magnetic susceptibility of a ferrofluid in a static uniform magnetic field is developed, including the dipolar interactions between the constituent particles. Interactions are included within the framework of modified mean-field theory. Predictions are given for the linear responses of the magnetization to a probing ac field both parallel and perpendicular to the static field and are tested against results from Brownian dynamics simulations. The effects of the particle concentration and dipolar coupling constant on the field-dependent static susceptibilities and the frequency dispersions are shown to be substantial, which justifies taking proper account of the interactions between particles. The theory is reliable provided that the volume concentration and dipolar coupling constant are not too large and within the range of values for real ferrofluids.