Some embodiments described herein relate to a sensor that includes an analyte-sensing dye and a reference dye. The analyte-sensing dye can be configured to emit an analyte-dependent optical signal in the presence of an analyte. Similarly stated, the intensity and/or duration of the analyte-dependent optical signal can be modulated by a quantity and/or concentration of the analyte in the environment of the sensor. The reference dye can be configured to emit an analyte-independent optical signal. The analyte-dependent optical signal and the analyte-independent optical signal have an analyte-dependent spectrum and an analyte-independent spectrum, respectfully. The analyte-dependent optical spectrum and the analyte-independent spectrum can be the same, substantially the same, and/or overlapping. The analyte-dependent optical signal can have a duration of lifetime that is shorter than a duration or lifetime of the analyte-independent optical signal.