This is common in many areas of technology. There is a phase of rapid technological development, then it reaches the fundamental limits of the technology, and f

This is common in many areas of technology. There is a phase of rapid technological development, then it reaches the fundamental limits of the technology, and from then on it is all refinements. For instance take a look at liquid-fueled rockets. The first one was built by Goddard in the 1930's, they advanced rapidly with the German V-2 and then the Soviet and American military and space programs, reaching a peak with the Saturn V that has not been exceeded to this day.