Abstract: The current excitement surrounding quantum information revolves around exploration of quantum entanglement. I will discuss applications of quantum entanglement including its use for the generation of random numbers. Entanglement is produced during the nonlinear optical process of spontaneous parametric downconversion (SPDC). I will describe our efforts to generate and characterize polarization entangled photons produced by SPDC. These entangled photon pairs are important building blocks for quantum information applications.