Evaluation of equatorial orientation distributions

Two conflicting methods reported in the literature [Kratky (1933). Kolloid Z. 64 , 213–222; Leadbetter & Norris (1979). Mol. Phys. 38 , 669–686] for the relationship between axial orientation distributions and equatorial intensity profiles are analyzed. Both methods are in common use by their respective proponents for the evaluation of scattering patterns with preferred orientation under rotational symmetry. The correctness of these methods is assessed, and the consequences of the findings are discussed.