First Wideband Search for Hidden Photon Dark Matter around 50 meV with the QUALIPHIDE-FIR Experiment

The QUAntum LImited PHotons In the Dark Experiment (QUALIPHIDE) is a search for hidden photon (HP) dark matter. The experiment employs quantum sensing with microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs). These detectors operate in a photon-counting regime that surpasses the standard quantum limit. This advanced technique enables the exploration of new parameter space for dark matter candidates, including both hidden photons and axion-like particles. The latest version, QUALIPHIDE-FIR (Far Infra Red), operates in the 4–16 THz (17-66 meV) frequency range, which corresponds to hidden photon masses of approximately 50 meV. It is projected to probe the kinetic mixing parameter of $\mathcal{O}(10^{−12})$. This talk will cover the detector technologies and analysis strategies used to pursue these dark matter searches with THz MKIDs.