Buzz,
If you remember, David Eaton, at the last ASM, got frustrated when participants were asking him to make comparisons which he did not feel comfortable making, and then again, I got the same exlanation when quizzing Jim M after the PR with the microelectronics company earlier this year when the level of performance announced did not match the level of performance announced last year on Indigo:
Check the Notes at the bottom of page #10:
It states: "Assuming IDENTICAL modulator design"
When the conditions of implementations vary - chromophore load, thickness of film, "baking conditions" necessary for that particular component... SO DOES THE OUTCOME OF PERFORMANCE.
Last year's performance was on a lab coupon or something like that. This year's performance is on a prototype modulator, identical to a Lithium Niobate modulator! I'll take this year's performance on a prototype anyday over the lab coupons last year. That's progress. They have to have to have working prototypes to take the measurements! They may not not be packaged yet, but they are working. This is my firm opinion.
Good luck to all patients LONGS.
AR.