  We construct a projection measurement process for the maximally entangled
N-photon state (the NOON-state) with only linear optical elements and
photodetectors. This measurement process will give null result for any N-photon
state that is orthogonal to the NOON state. We examine the projection process
in more detail for N=4 by applying it to a four-photon state from type-II
parametric down-conversion. This demonstrates an orthogonal projection
measurement with a null result. This null result corresponds to a dip in a
generalized Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometer for four photons. We find that the
depth of the dip in this arrangement can be used to distinguish a genuine
entangled four-photon state from two separate pairs of photons. We next apply
the NOON state projection measurement to a four-photon superposition state from
two perpendicularly oriented type-I parametric down-conversion processes. A
successful NOON state projection is demonstrated with the appearance of the
four-photon de Broglie wavelength in the interference fringe pattern.
