1. an optical instrument that isolates a narrow band of wavelengths from a broader spectrum of light
Usage: scientific; technical

Examples

• The spectrophotometer uses a monochromator to select specific wavelengths for analysis.
• Scientists adjusted the monochromator to isolate the desired frequency of light.
• The laboratory’s monochromator helped researchers study the absorption properties of the sample.
• A grating monochromator disperses white light into its component wavelengths.
• The quality of data depends on the resolution of the monochromator used.
• Researchers calibrated the monochromator before beginning their optical measurements.