The Photon Simulator (PhoSim) is a set of fast photon Monte Carlo codes used to calculate the physics of the atmosphere, telescope, and camera. It does this using modern numerical techniques applied to comprehensive physical models. PhoSim generates images by collecting photons into pixels.  This movie shows the photon Monte Carlo method used in the simulation. The links below describe more detailed technical information.

 

A single amplifier image simulated with PhoSim