Thermodynamic signatures of short-range magnetic correlations in UTe2

The normal state out of which unconventional superconductivity in UTe2 emerges is studied in detail using a variety of thermodynamic and transport probes. Clear evidence for a broad Schottky-like anomaly with roughly R ln(2) entropy around T* approximate to 12 K is observed in all measured quantities. Comparison with high magnetic field transport data allows the construction of an H-T phase diagram resembling that of the ferromagnetic superconductor URhGe. The low-field electronic Gruneisen parameter of T* and that of the metamagnetic transition at Hm approximate to 35 T are comparable pointing to a common origin of both phenomena. Enhanced Wilson and Korringa ratios suggest that the existence of short-range ferromagnetic fluctuations cannot be ruled out.