Valence states of iron ions in nanostructured yttrium iron garnet Y3Fe5O12 studied by means of soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy

► We produced yttrium iron garnet Y3Fe5O12 in the nanostructured state by means of plastic deformation method (high-pressure torsion). ► Valence states of Fe ions in nanostructured Y3Fe5O12 were estimated from soft X-ray absorption spectra. ► Experimental spectra were compared with crystal field multiplet calculations for Fe ions. ► Some amount of Fe2+ ions in nanostructured Y3Fe5O12 was found. ► The concentration of Fe2+ ions was found to be increased with the increase of the degree of plastic deformation.