A femtosecond laser scalpel allows controlled incisions of the cornea of the eye, and also below its surface, without damaging the surrounding tissue. The risk of damage during incision of the cornea can thus be avoided. This is especially important considering the increased demand for corrective eye surgery.

While Dr. Ronald Kurtz of the Kellogg Eye Center at the University of Michigan developed and tested the application, Dr. Tibor Juhasz at the same university's renowned Center for Ultrafast Optics supervised the development of an industry-suitable laser device for the purpose.

Together they advanced the method to such a degree that its commercial use was achieved with the establishment of the firm Intralase.