Short-range magnetic correlations in the highly correlated electron compound CeCu4Ga

B. G. Ueland, C. F. Miclea, K. Gofryk, Y. Qiu, F. Ronning, R. Movshovich, E. D. Bauer, J. S. Gardner, J. D. Thompson

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Abstract

We present experimental results for the heavy-electron compound CeCu4Ga which show that it possesses short-range magnetic correlations down to a temperature of T=0.1 K. Our neutron scattering data show no evidence of long-range magnetic order occurring despite a peak in the specific heat at T∗=1.2 K. Rather, magnetic diffuse scattering occurs which corresponds to short-range magnetic correlations occurring across two unit cells. The specific heat remains large as T∼0 K, resulting in a Sommerfeld coefficient of γ0=1.44(2) J/mol K2, and, below T∗, the resistivity follows T2behavior and the ac magnetic susceptibility becomes temperature independent. A magnetic peak centered at an energy transfer of Ec=0.24(1) meV is seen in inelastic neutron scattering data which shifts to higher energies and broadens under a magnetic field. We discuss the coexistence of large specific heat, magnetic fluctuations, and short-range magnetic correlations at low temperatures and compare our results to those for materials possessing spin-liquid behavior.

Original languageEnglish
Article number121109
JournalPhysical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Volume90
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 25 2014
Externally publishedYes

Funding

FundersFunder number
National Institute of Standards and Technology
National Science FoundationDMR-0944772
U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Department of Energy
National Science Foundation
Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences0944772

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