Optimal cloning for finite distributions of coherent states

We derive optimal cloning limits for finite Gaussian distributions of coherent states, and describe techniques for achieving them. We discuss the relation of these limits to state estimation and the no-cloning limit in teleportation. A qualitatively different cloning limit is derived for a single-quadrature Gaussian quantum cloner.Comment: 15 pages RevTeX, 6 figures eps, submitted to PR

Conditional two mode squeezed vacuum teleportation

We show, by making conditional measurements on the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) squeezed vacuum, that one can improve the efficacy of teleportation for both the position difference, momentum sum and number difference, phase sum continuous variable teleportation protocols. We investigate the relative abilities of the standard and conditional EPR states, and show that by conditioning we can improve the fidelity of teleportation of coherent states from below to above the $\bar{F} = 2/3$ boundary.Comment: 18 pages, RevTeX4, 10 figures postscrip

Peak Oil? Oil Supply and Accumulation

capital differential accumulation peak oilFROM THE ARTICLE: Peak oil will come. When it does, its effects on the global economy are uncertain. In the meantime, the oil companies must keep the following plates spinning: faith in oil as the energy source of capitalism, a high enough price to remain on top of the corporate world, a low enough and steady enough price to avoid contributing to a lengthy recession, or even a depression. While the differential perspective on accumulation makes it clear that growth is not synonymous with the corporate interest -- as long as everyone else is declining faster than you, then you are differentially accumulating -- depressions are dangerous for their unpredictability and their potential to threaten the capitalist status quo. . . . Undoubtedly, one of these plates will drop. The question is: which one? The consequences of the answer to that question will come more immediately than the geologically necessary peak in production and should be of greater concern

Differentiating Diamonds: Transforming Knowledge and the Accumulation of De Beers

advertising De Beers diamonds differential accumulation mass consumptionIn 1939, the De Beers diamond company faced a dire situation. The company’s accumulation had been dwindling for decades. The Great Depression not only pushed diamond sales to historic lows, it shifted American attitudes around consumption and thriftiness to the detriment of the luxury object. In this article, I bring together Liz McFall’s assertion that advertising needs to be studied as a “specific commercial device” with Jonathan Nitzan and Shimshon Bichler’s capitalas-power theory of value (CasP), which emphasizes differential accumulation. Both McFall and CasP challenge analyses that treat capitalism as an undifferentiated totality. It is from this perspective of differentiated commercial struggle that I analyze De Beers’ early advertising campaigns as well as the market research by N.W. Ayer that preceded them. My analysis focuses on an educational component intended to transform the diamond knowledge of the masses. The analysis demonstrates how the research informed the campaign that emerged in contingent relation with various facets of American society and was transformed by changes emergent with WWII

Death Grip: Scapegoating the Subprime Loser

Capitalizing morality and accumulating through crisis

Castoriadis, Veblen and the 'Power Theory of Capital'

capital capitalization differential accumulation labour valueA critical examination of value theories, capital accumulation and organized powe

The Enduring Power of GE

differential accumulation GE powerGeneral Electric (GE) has demonstrated extraordinary longevity in the upper echelon of U.S. corporations. From 1925 to 2013, the company has never fallen below 10th in the rankings of firms by market capitalization. The only other firm to match this feat is the oil giant ExxonMobil. GE’s durability is remarkable given the political, cultural, and technological tumult of the 20th century. In this presentation, I will consider possible reasons for GE’s dominance. This study of GE is part of an effort to develop a new field of Accumulation Studies. *** D.T. Cochrane. PhD student at the Graduate Program in Social and Political Thought, York University ([email protected]) This presentation is the fourth in the Second Speaker Series on the Capitalist Mode of Power, organized by capitalaspower.com and sponsored by the York Department of Political Science and the Graduate Program in Social and Political Thought. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome. WHEN: Tuesday, November 17, 2015, 3:00-5:00 pm WHERE: Verney Room, 674 South Ross, Keele Campus of York Universit

Why Diamonds and De Beers?, or The Need for Accumulation Studies

accumulation studies De Beers diamondsThe text of this paper served as the introductory presentation for my PhD defence, held on December 2015. In it, I explain what I tried to do with the dissertation, the methods I used, and the larger project I hope it is initiating. Specifically, I suggest there is a need for accumulation studies as a field of research and analysis. The dissertation was a case study within this not-yet-existent field. Hopefully, this text serves to clarify my approach and, ideally, will generate greater interest in such research

Disobedient Things. The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Accounting for Disaster

actor-network theory capitalization confidence in obedience Deepwater HorizonAnalysis of the Deepwater Horizon disaster and the accumulatory decline of BP demonstrates both the analytical efficacy of the capital-as-power (CasP) approach to value theory, and the irreducible role of objects in the process of accumulation. Rather than productivity per se, accumulation depends on control of productivity. Owners’ control is over both the human and non-human components of systems of production, which transcend the standard categories of culture/politics/economics/technology. Capitalization translates the irreducible social order, things and all, that bear on accumulation into commensurable units of capital. The decline of BP in the wake of the disaster expressed the market’s falling confidence in the obedience of the entities that bear on its profits, including the things that comprise its productive capacity