An efficient algorithm for incommensurate structure refinement

A least-squares algorithm to refine incommensurate structures in the framework of (3 + 1)-dimensional crystallographic symmetry is described in some detail. It is applicable to the cases of occupational and/or harmonic displacive modulation. Compact analytical expressions for the structure factor and its partial derivatives well suited for structure refinement by the least-squares method have been obtained. The efficiency of the algorithm is discussed.