The VCSEL already works in the GaAs platform on its own, but not as an integrated (4th pin) monolithic device as of yet. It may indeed work, but the company needs a financial partner to see that through. Remember, Suresh V. also stated as far as the industry goes that 'POET is in uncharted territory --- this has never been done before. In otherwords, the VCSEL works as a discrete device, but in the GaAs environment the industry is demanding it to be part of a monolithic device. Remember, Suresh has said that they will only build products that the customer wants and for the GaAs platform, the products must be 'monolithic'. However, in the InP platform there is room in the market for both discrete and monolithic devices. That is my understanding. Please feel free to correct any part of this post that may not be quite right.

Monolithic