Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 February 2011
The multiferroic BiFeO3 crystals were studied under high pressures up to 70 GPa created in diamond anvil cells. Electronic, magnetic and structural transformations were found in the region 40-55 GPa. Electronic transition with high-to-low spin crossover of Fe3+ ion, suppression of magnetism and metallization were carefully investigated and documented. All transitions are completely reversible. The proposed theoretical consideration explains some details of the high-pressure magnetic, optical and electronic properties.