  We have calculated the optical conductivity and the Raman response for the
d-density wave model, proposed as a possible explanation for the pseudogap seen
in high Tc cuprates. The total optical spectral weight remains approximately
constant on opening of the pseudogap for fixed temperature. This occurs because
there is a transfer of weight from the Drude peak to interband transitions
across the pseudogap. The interband peak in the optical conductivity is
prominent but becomes progressively reduced with increasing temperature, with
impurity scattering, which distributes it over a larger energy range, and with
ineleastic scattering which can also shift its position, making it difficult to
have a direct determination of the value of the pseudogap. Corresponding
structure is seen in the optical scattering rate, but not necessarily at the
same energies as in the conductivity.
