On stochastic approaches of nuclear dynamics

We present recent developments of stochastic descriptions of nuclear dynamics. We focus on the newly introduced microscopic descriptions, such as stochastic extensions of currently used kinetic equations, as well as on more phenomenological, macroscopic approaches. We show to what extent these stochastic descriptions may offer a proper picture of nuclear dynamics both in strongly out of equilibrium situations, such as the ones encountered in energetic heavy-ion collisions or in closer to equilibrium situations such as the deexcitation of hot nuclei by thermal fission. (orig.)