Current-induced switching of domains in magnetic multilayer devices

Current-induced switching in the orientation of magnetic moments is observe d in cobalt/copper/cobalt sandwich structures, for currents flowing perpend icularly through the Layers. Magnetic domains in adjacent cobalt layers can be manipulated controllably between stable parallel and antiparallel confi gurations by applying current pulses of the appropriate sign. The observati ons are in accord with predictions that a spin-polarized current exerts a t orque at the interface between a magnetic and nonmagnetic metal, due to Loc al exchange interactions between conduction electrons and the magnetic mome nts.