On the generation of ultra-broad bandwidth light in air at atmospheric pressure

We predict that ultra-broadband light consisting of over 150 distinct frequencies of comparable energy can be generated in air at atmospheric pressure by stimulated Raman scattering using resonant symmetric pumping. Nanosecond input pulses and the highest available intensities are found to be optimal. Gain suppression analysis, incorporating a finite Stokes shift, gives a qualitative explanation of the pumping requirements.