The technology that opened the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens on display at PALME 2005

Precisely one year later, over four billion spectators were able to see the spectacle live in all its glory on television. Part of the show involved laser systems and waterscreens developed and supplied by tarm Showlaser GmbH from Germany.

Its five-stromg team had all of the necessary equipment up and running six weeks before the event and were responsible for laser projections of mathematical formulae onto the 17 meter-tall Cycladic head that rose from the hole in the ground in the center of the stadium's playing field, as well as projecting a double helix, the basic, genetic, molecular, building block of most living organisms, onto an around 20 meter-high waterscreen.

A total of four "WhiteLas" laser systems were used for this major production - a world first. These multicolor/white-light lasers are air-cooled, run off a normal 220 V AC electrical outlet, and are the world's most powerful laser-show lasers. They also allow achieving brilliant color tones, including a pure white lacking the usual green tinge, that are truly impressive.

The waterscreen employed was another innovation specially developed by tarm Showlaser GmbH for the event, and differed from those that had thus far been available in that it allowed achieving previously unattained clarity and throw heights.

Fresh from their success at the Olympic Games, tarm Showlaser GmbH have brought the technology that made the opening such a great success to Dubai, where it is showcased at the PALME 2005 exhibition which runs up until April 26th at Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 11am to 7pm.