The Langevin approach to the kinetics of a collisional plasma is
developed. Some
collision models are considered, and the corresponding stochastic differential
equations
are derived. These equations can be regarded as an alternative to the description
of a
plasma in terms of a distribution function. The method developed here
allows one to simulate plasma processes, taking account of both collective
kinetics
effects and Coulomb collisions. Results of the numerical simulation of
the intervention
of laser pulses with an overdense plasma are presented. The dependence
of the absorption coefficient on the plasma parameters is calculated. The
features
of the plasma dynamics under the action of intense laser radiation are
observed
and discussed. The results of numerical tests of the validity of this method
are also
presented.