Introduction
Leica Microsystems introduces a new fluorescence light source combined with ultra-fast external filter wheels designed for live cell imaging. This innovation aims to enhance the precision and ease of use in fluorescence microscopy.

Specifications
The Leica EL6000 External Light Source features a long-life metal halide lamp with over 2000 hours of usage, ensuring cost-effectiveness and time efficiency. The lamp provides homogenous fluorescence images without the need for alignment and includes an integrated diaphragm for easy attenuation of excitation light intensity. The power supply is designed to prevent heat transfer to the microscope stand, stage, or climate chamber.

Fast Filter Wheels
Leica's new external filter wheels offer ultra-fast switching speeds (10–30 ms) with low-vibration movement, allowing rapid changes in excitation and emission light. These motorized filter wheels are compatible with various excitation filter sets for different applications, including standard fluorescence, Calcium-ratioing, and FRET.

Enhanced Speed and Integration
The lightweight and small diameter design of the fluorescence filters allows for extremely fast switching and minimal vibration, resulting in accurate imaging. The system's components, including filter wheels, electronics, firmware, software, and camera shutter speed, are harmonized to ensure optimal imaging speed.

Applications
The system is ideal for complex life science applications, with easily exchangeable filter sets tailored for specific needs. Leica Application Suite (LAS) software and AF6000 fluorescence software provide streamlined user interfaces for experiment guidance, from setup to post-image processing. Expansion modules are available for additional functionality.

Performance in Calcium-ratio and FRET Experiments
Speed is crucial for Ca++ and FRET experiments, and Leica's solution ensures harmonization from hardware to software. Leica offers a range of digital cameras, including Leica brand, Hamamatsu, and Roper, allowing users to select the appropriate imaging device for their experiments.

Compatibility and Adaptability
The Leica EL6000 and Fast Filter Wheel system can be adapted to both upright and inverted microscopes, offering high-speed imaging solutions for various budgets. The system is compatible with Leica's TIRF system and the AF6000 LX multi-dimensional, high-speed, live-cell system, enabling multi-tasking capabilities for FRET and live cell experiments.

Conclusion
Leica's high-speed fluorescence imaging solutions, including the EL6000 and Fast Filter Wheels, provide advanced performance and adaptability for a wide range of microscopy applications.