Evidence for low-dimensional magnetic behaviour in CePt5Ge3

We present the results of magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, heat capa city, resistivity and magnetoresistance measurements for the low-dimensiona l Ce-based intermetallic compounds CePd5Ge3 and CePt5Ge3, which crystallize in the YNi5Si3-type structure. Magnetic order is manifested by a peak in b oth the magnetic susceptibility and the specific heat at 1.9 K and 1.1 K fo r CePd5Ge3 and CePt5Ge3, respectively. For CePt5Ge3 a significant tail in t he specific heat from T-N up to 5 K indicates pronounced antiferromagnetic short-range correlation of low-dimensional character above the 3D long-rang e order. Both compounds exhibit large negative magnetoresistance at low tem perature.