Stimulated Raman scattering and the extreme high-velocity H2O maser features in W49

Stimulated Raman scattering of the intense 22.2-GHz water-vapor maser radiation within W49 is examined as a possible explanation of the extremely broad spectrum of W49 extending to + or - 200 km/sec apparent Doppler velocity. Under the most favorable conditions, Raman scattering from ammonia molecules is calculated to be observable. It is unlikely that the Raman process contributes appreciably in the case of W49, as it fails to predict the observed spatial and spectral distribution of the radiation.