Broad-range light-detection systems, including components and methods of use thereof. These systems may include apparatus and methods for detecting light with increased speed and/or detection efficiency, particularly in applications involving repeated analysis of the same sample and/or successive analysis of different samples, and particularly when the sample or samples have a wide range of light intensities. These systems also may include apparatus and methods for detecting light with increased accuracy over a broad range of intensities. These systems also may include vapparatus and methods for automatically scaling detection range to improve detection based on the intensity of the detected light.