  MicroBooNE is an experiment designed to both probe neutrino physics phenomena
and develop the LArTPC (Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber) detector
technology. The MicroBooNE experiment, which began taking data this year, is
the first large LArTPC detector in the U.S. This experiment is the beginning of
a path of detectors (both on the surface and underground) envisioned for the
U.S. SBL (Short-BaseLine) and LBL (Long-BaseLine) programs. In order to
interpret the data from the experiments on the surface, the impact of space
charge effects must be simulated and calibrated. The space charge effect is the
build-up of slow-moving positive ions in a detector due to, for instance,
ionization from cosmic rays, leading to a distortion of the electric field
within the detector. This effect leads to a displacement in the reconstructed
position of signal ionization electrons in LArTPC detectors. The LArTPC
utilized in the MicroBooNE experiment is expected to be modestly impacted from
the space charge effect, with the electric field magnitude changing by roughly
5\% (at a drift field of 500 V/cm) in some locations within the TPC. We discuss
the simulation of the space charge effect at MicroBooNE as well as calibration
techniques that make use of a UV laser system and cosmic muon events. A
successful calibration of the space charge effect is imperative both to the
success of the MicroBooNE physics program as well as to the development of
LArTPC technology for future experiments.
