Kratky plot
A Kratky plot is obtained by plotting scattering intensity as vs. (instead of simply vs. ). This representation divides-out the decay of the scattering, making certain other features more evident.
In particular, a Kratky analysis is often performed on polymer solutions. Here, the shape of the curve in the Kratky plot helps identify the conformation of the polymer chain: a rise to a plateau indicates an unfolded chain (random coil), whereas a distinct peak is indicative of a compact or folded conformation for the chain (in biological studies, this may be a protein in a well-defined/folded state). Other conformations can also potentially be distinguished (pseudo-linear rise for rod-like conformation, high-q upturn from the plateau indicates worm-like chain, etc.). In polymer gels, a peak may indicate the presence of inhomogeneities, such as clustering.
