Magnetic behavior in CeT0.6Ga6 (T=Ni and Cu) compounds

The ternary gallides CeNi0.6Ga6 and CeCu0.6Ga6 were prepared by induction melting and studied by means of SQUID and resistivity measurements. Both compounds exhibit well-localized magnetism due to the presence of trivalent Ce ions. The nickel-based compound orders antiferromagnetically at TN=10 K, whereas that containing copper remains paramagnetic down to 2 K. The electrical resistivity of CeNi0.6Ga6 has a metallic character and shows pronounced crystal field effects at low temperatures.