SENSORS AND METHODS FOR SENSING

SENSORS AND METHODS FOR SENSING A sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a medium is disclosed. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises a sensing element including a matrix material and, covalently bonded thereto, one or more monomeric indicator components each of which is capable of providing a first emitted signal of a given wavelength in response to being exposed to an excitation signal, the sensing element being capable of providing a second emitted signal having a longer wavelength than the first emitted signal or signals in response to being exposed to the excitation signal, the second emitted signal being provided by an excimer component or a mixed excimer component produced in the sensing element from the monomeric indicator component or components and being dependent on the concentration of the analyte in the medium to a greater extent than the first emitted signal or signals; an excitation assembly positioned and adapted to provide the excitation signal to the sensing element; and a detector assembly positioned and adapted to detect the second emitted signal. Preferably, a processor assembly is positioned and adapted to analyze the second emitted signal in determining the concentration of the analyte in the medium.