  We demonstrate the current-induced complete magnetization reversal of the
free layer in lateral nanowires patterned from metallic pseudo spin valve
stacks. The reversal is induced by Oersted fields in conjunction with a dipolar
coupling via the lateral stray fields of the two magnetic layers. Starting from
the parallel state the Oersted field rotates the magnetization vectors of both
magnetic layers in opposite directions so far off the wire axis that the
dipolar coupling becomes strong enough to stabilize an antiparallel
configuration. As simulations and experiments show this coupling is only
achieved for a narrow range of layer thicknesses and for suitable wire
geometries. The reversal process is demonstrated as well for straight wires as
for wire segments of L-shaped wires with inhomogeneous magnetization in which
domain walls are present before and after the switching process.
