  By combining interface-sensitive non-linear magneto-optical experiments with
femtosecond time resolution and ab-initio time-dependent density functional
theory, we show that optically excited spin dynamics at Co/Cu(001) interfaces
proceeds via spin-dependent charge transfer and backtransfer between Co and Cu.
This ultrafast spin transfer competes with dissipation of spin angular momentum
mediated by spin-orbit coupling already on sub 100 fs timescales. We thereby
identify the fundamental microscopic processes during laser-induced spin
transfer at a model interface for technologically relevant ferromagnetic
heterostructures.
