We present experimental results for the heavy-electron compound ${\mathrm{CeCu}}_4\mathrm{Ga}$ 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 $T\sim 0$ K, resulting in a Sommerfeld coefficient of ${\gamma }_0=1.44\left(2\right)$ J/mol ${\mathrm{K}}^2$, and, below $T^{*}$, the resistivity follows $T^2$ behavior and the ac magnetic susceptibility becomes temperature independent. A magnetic peak centered at an energy transfer of $E_{\mathrm{c}}=0.24\left(1\right)$ 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.

• Received 16 June 2014
• Revised 27 August 2014

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.90.121109