Exchange torque and spin transfer between spin polarized current and ferromagnetic layers

Magnetization reversal triggered by spin injection is measured in electrodeposited Co/Cu/Co pillars (diameter about 60 nm). Two protocols are used. (i) switching of magnetization after a current pulse is monitored as a function of applied field. The maximum offset from the switching field at which irreversible switching occurs is a measure of the strength of the effect; and (ii) irreversible and reversible magnetization changes are observed while the current is ramped at fixed applied field. (i) and (ii) show that irreversible transitions occur only from antiparallel to parallel magnetic configurations and for electrons flow from the polarizer to the analyzer. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.