title: Current-driven magnetization reversal and spin-wave excitations in Co /Cu /Co pillars
abstract: Using thin film pillars approximately 100 nm in diameter, containing two Co layers of different thicknesses separated by a Cu spacer, we examine the process by which the scattering from the ferromagnetic layers of spin-polarized currents flowing perpendicular to the layers causes controlled reversal of the moment direction in the thin Co layer. The well-defined geometry permits a quantitative analysis of this spin-transfer effect, allowing tests of competing theories for the mechanism and also new insight concerning magnetic damping. When large magnetic fields are applied, the spin-polarized current no longer fully reverses the magnetic moment, but instead stimulates spin-wave excitations.
authors.affiliation: School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Katine
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Albert
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Buhrman
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Myers
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Ralph