  We have performed ab initio studies to elucidate the unusual magnetic
behavior recently observed in epitaxial Co films upon absorption of
submonolayers of Cu and other materials. We find that a submonolayer amount of
Cu on a stepped Co/Cu (100) film changes dramatically the electronic and
magnetic structure of the system. The effect is mainly due to hybridization of
Co and Cu $d$-electrons when copper forms a ``wire'' next to a Co step at the
surface. As a result, a non-collinear arrangement of magnetic moments
(switching of the easy axis) is promoted. [PACS 75.70.Ak,75.70.-i]

Condensed Matter