Unexpected magnetism of small silver clusters

The ground-state electronic and magnetic properties of small silver clusters Ag{sub n} (2{<=}n{<=}22) have been studied using a linear combination of atomic Gaussian-type orbitals within the density functional theory. The results show that the silver atoms, which are diamagnetic in a bulk environment, can be magnetic when they are grouped together in clusters. The Ag{sub 13} cluster with icosahedral symmetry has the highest magnetic moment per atom among the silver clusters studied. The cluster symmetry and the reduced coordination number specific to small clusters are revealed as a fundamental factor for the onset of magnetism.