Asymptotic solutions of the continuous-time random walk model of diffusion

Asymptotic distributions of the Montroll-Weiss equation for the continuous-time random walk are investigated for long times. It is shown that, for a certain subclass of the hopping waiting time distributions belonging to the domain of attraction of stable distributions, these asymptotic distributions are of stable form. This indicates that the realm of applicability of the diffusion equation is limited. The Montroll-Weiss equation is rederived to include the influence of the initial waiting interval and the role of the stable distributions in physical problems is briefly discussed.