The time behavior of a pulse emitted by the stimulated Raman process (first vibration Stokes level in H2) is examined as a function of the Raman oscillator cavity parameter &tgr;, the photon life time. Theoretical calculations of the Raman pulse shape, including laser depletion, using a linearized model of a standing wave are provided. Experimental comparisons to the calculations demonstrate satisfactory agreement for most measurements. The experiments were performed at 100 atm of H2, in order that antistokes be suppressed and calculations simplified.