  We study distinguishing information in the context of quantum interference
involving more than one parametric downconversion (PDC) source and in the
context of polarization-entangled photon pairs based on PDC. We arrive at
specific design criteria for two-photon sources so that when used as part of
complex optical systems, such as photon-based quantum information processing
schemes, distinguishing information between the photons is eliminated
guaranteeing high visibility interference. We propose practical techniques
which lead to suitably engineered two-photon states that can be realistically
implemented with available technology. Finally, we study an implementation of
the nonlinear-sign shift (NS) logic gate with PDC sources and show the effect
of distinguishing information on the performance of the gate.
