Stochastic Astrochemical Kinetics

Abstract

I present the first stochastic treatment of the chemical evolution of dense molecular clouds. The stochastic simulation algorithm, based on the Monte Carlo method, is described, and the computed solutions are shown to agree well with those obtained from the corresponding deterministic model. This approach to astrochemical kinetics should form the basis for realistic and accurate modeling of astrochemical processes that are inherently stochastic, such as grain surface reactions.