Cost is king and industry is under pressure to reach the $1/G. POETs dielectric offers that pathway with better performance and smaller footprint than silica PLC's (Kaiam)

Silica-on-silicon (SoS) AWGs have been introduced to the market in 1994 and currently hold the largest share of the AWG market

Out with the old and in with the new. The June 2018 presentation (page 37) gives a good description of  POETs dielectric platform advantages over silica PLC’s.

Tighter bend radius with substantially smaller Mux/De-Mux footprint

Tighter wavelength spacing

InP integration

Athermal filters and grating on chip

Flexible mode matching

Refractive index can be adjusted to a wide range for specific application of wavelength range

Readily scalable to 12 in wafer size (significant increase in economics)

Low stress (allows wafer size conversion to 12 in without bowing)

https://poet-technologies.com/docs/agm2018/POET-Technology-Background-June-2018.pdf

Page 39 and 40 of the above presentation provides an overview of competing technologies.  Company B appears to match Kaiam’s profile as it is  the only company that I  am aware of that uses active MEMS for lens alignment. It is an eye opener that is worth reviewing.

POET is building advanced optical engines for leading global companies. If they are satisfied that POET offers the best solution then I think they will ensure that production capacity meets their needs.