  Loss is a critical roadblock to achieving photonic quantum-enhanced
technologies. We explore a modular platform for implementing integrated
photonics experiments and consider the effects of loss at different stages of
these experiments, including state preparation, manipulation and measurement.
We frame our discussion mainly in the context of quantum sensing and focus
particularly on the use of loss-tolerant Holland-Burnett states for optical
phase estimation. In particular, we discuss spontaneous four-wave mixing in
standard birefringent fibre as a source of pure, heralded single photons and
present methods of optimising such sources. We also outline a route to
programmable circuits which allow the control of photonic interactions even in
the presence of fabrication imperfections and describe a ratiometric
characterisation method for beam splitters which allows the characterisation of
complex circuits without the need for full process tomography. Finally, we
present a framework for performing state tomography on heralded states using
lossy measurement devices. This is motivated by a calculation of the effects of
fabrication imperfections on precision measurement using Holland-Burnett
states.
