Improved modelling of detachment and neutral-dominated regimes using the SOLPS B2–Eirene code

In this paper, recent progress in plasma edge modelling is presented, using the SOLPS B2–Eirene Scrape-Off Layer Plasma Simulation code. The code capabilities have been extended so that is it now possible to investigate reliably regimes dominated by strong neutral sources in the plasma edge. Two main improvements are reported. First, a fluid plasma treatment including drift and currents effects has been coupled to a Monte-Carlo treatment for the neutrals. Concurrently, a grid adaptation algorithm compatible with the coupling is demonstrated. We present simulations taking advantage of these new tools, and discuss their impact on the results.