  We introduce a class of exponential Runge-Kutta integration methods for
kinetic equations. The methods are based on a decomposition of the collision
operator into an equilibrium and a non equilibrium part and are exact for
relaxation operators of BGK type. For Boltzmann type kinetic equations they
work uniformly for a wide range of relaxation times and avoid the solution of
nonlinear systems of equations even in stiff regimes. We give sufficient
conditions in order that such methods are unconditionally asymptotically stable
and asymptotic preserving. Such stability properties are essential to guarantee
the correct asymptotic behavior for small relaxation times. The methods also
offer favorable properties such as nonnegativity of the solution and entropy
inequality. For this reason, as we will show, the methods are suitable both for
deterministic as well as probabilistic numerical techniques.
