Space charge polarization in fused silica test masses of a gravitational wave detector associated with an electrostatic drive

In interferometric gravitational wave detectors, the longitudinal position and orientation of the suspended test masses are controlled by actuators. Electromagnetic actuators used in initial Laser Interferometric Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) detectors will be swapped for electrostatic drives (ESDs) in the advanced LIGO. Penetration of the electric field of the ESD into the fused silica optic causes the electrical charge carriers' redistribution within the test mass and charge accumulation near electrodes of the ESD. The charges affect the performance of the ESD and can be sources of additional noise. This paper presents results of measurements of the charge accumulation in the fused silica sample under the electric field of the ESD model.