Simulation of MCAO on (extremely) large telescopes

In this article, we describe the different methods to simulate Multi-Conjugate Adaptive Optics (MCAO) systems. First, analytical (error-budget type) and semi-analytical (Fourier) methods are described. We then describe the different modules required to make end-to-end (Monte Carlo) simulations of these systems. Finally, we present some of the computational challenges associated with the simulation of MCAO on Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs). To cite this article: M. Le Louarn et al., C. R. Physique 6 (2005).