A relatively unrelated but thriving topic is the manipulation of magnetic domain walls (DWs) in nanostructures. This research field has been the subject of intense debate over the last 15 years, particularly on fundamental questions related to current-induced DW motion. Moreover, it underlies a number of emerging spintronic technologies for memory and logic applications.

In this context, this thesis is based on the study of the interplay between magnetic domain walls and pure spin currents. This study is essentially carried-out in lateral spin valves, where constrictions have been patterned in ferromagnetic nanowires in order to manipulate domain walls. Using this structure, we first explore the non-local spin transfer torque, demonstrating domain wall motion induced by pure spin currents. Secondly, we demonstrate that domain walls can be used to create a switchable spin currents source, or detector, sensitive to the domain wall micro-magnetic configuration. By combining these functionalities in the same device we could realize an AND logic gate. Finally, we show that a domain wall pinned in a constriction allow realizing very efficient non-local measurements.

Contact : carmelo.castagna@cea.fr