ABSTRACT
A fundamental characteristic of a molecule or nanoparticle is the arrangement and distribution of electrical charges within it, as well as that of electronic orbital and spin angular momenta. Electric and magnetic dipole moments are observables, which directly re ect these distributions, and are, therefore, very useful experimental parameters for the direct assessment of models and theories of particle structure, bonding, and internal dynamics. In addition, of course, polar and magnetic nanoclusters carry signi cant practical promise as building blocks for materials with novel magnetic and ferroelectric properties.
