Use of bond-valence sums in modelling the diffuse scattering from PZN (PbZn_1/3Nb_2/3O₃)

Diffuse scattering from PZN (PbZn_1/3Nb_2/3O₃) has been analysed by combining the average structure revealed by Bragg diffraction with the requirements of the bond-valence sum. This goes beyond previous models, which are more prescriptive and artificial in nature, although not all key aspects of the short-range order can be shown to arise `naturally' out of the modelled interactions.