Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for determining a parameter of a photodetector (e.g., a photodetector in a particle analyzer). Methods according to certain embodiments include detecting light from a light source with a photodetector for a first predetermined time interval, detecting a step signal with the photodetector, the step signal indicating a change in a parameter of the light source or a parameter of the photodetector, detecting light from the light source for a second predetermined time interval, integrating data signals over the first predetermined time interval and the second predetermined time interval and determining one or more parameters of the photodetector based on the integrated data signals. Systems (e.g., particle analyzers) having a light source and a photodetector for practicing the subject methods are also described.