Influence of light on the magnetoelectric effect in Fe-doped Bi12SiO20

We report an extraordinary oxidation state of iron in the Fe-doped Bi₁₂SiO₂₀ single crystal. Magnetoelectric effect and changes of this effect under illumination of the sample were investigated in magnetic fields up to 32 T. Moreover, an absorption line and its shift to higher energy caused by magnetic field (the Zeeman effect) were seen in the optical measurements. Obtained results show that the iron dopant is in unexpected, +4 oxidation state and it changes to +5 after illumination with blue light.