"We have already aligned with our customers on their production volumes and pricing requirements, so that once we successfully demonstrate the platform capabilities and it is qualified, we expect to receive production volume orders for Optical Interposer-based components and subassemblies for inclusion in customers’ products beginning in the second half of 2019."

In a nutshell, FJ, that's what the POET story is!  And they are busy putting themselves in a position to take advantage of successful demonstration of the platform capabilities.  

It's that easy, they are close, they need money, they don't want to dilute this late in the game, and so here we are.  I very pleased with where we are, but always wish it could go faster!