Modeling of kinetic processes in laser plasmas by the method of stochasticdynamics with allowance for Coulomb collisions

A method based on the nonlinear Langevin equations is proposed for describi ng the kinetic processes in a plasma with allowance for Coulomb collisions. The stochastic differential equations for particle motion in a Lorentzian plasma are derived. A numerical algorithm is developed and successfully use d to solve the equations obtained. The laser-light absorption coefficient i n an overdense plasma is found as a function of the plasma temperature and density. It is shown that, at the boundary of an overdense plasma, high-pow er laser radiation gives rise to strong longitudinal electromagnetic fields , higher harmonics, and superthermal electrons.