Methods and systems for measurement time distribution for referencing schemes are disclosed. The disclosed methods and systems can be capable of dynamically changing the measurement time distribution based on the sample signal, reference signal, noise levels, and SNR. The methods and systems can be configured with a plurality of measurement states, including a sample measurement state, reference measurement state, and dark measurement state. In some examples, the measurement time distribution scheme can be based on the operating wavelength, the measurement location at the sampling interface, and/or targeted SNR. Examples of the disclosure further include systems and methods for measuring the different measurement states concurrently. Moreover, the systems and methods can include a high-frequency detector to eliminate or reduce decorrelated noise fluctuations that can lower the SNR.