Microscopic simulations are used to investigate the status of the stochastic theory of reaction-diffusion systems based on master equation. It is shown that the validity of this theory can only be guaranteed over length scales not smaller than the reactive mean free path. In this case, quantitative agreement is demonstrated in a variety of situations, including the vicinity of a pitchfork bifurcation point.

• Received 8 July 1996

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.54.6139