Spin-current induced magnetotransport in Co/Cu/Co nanostructures

We report measurements on sub-100-nm Co-Cu-Co spin-valves with the current perpendicular-to-plane. The giant magnetoresistance versus applied magnetic field shows switching in the individually patterned Co nanomagnets. Spin-transfer from the spin-polarized current to the nanomagnets becomes significant for large currents and small devices. The resistance versus applied current shows spin-transfer effects, including current-induced nanomagnet switching and resistance steps indicative of current-induced magnetic precession.