We present here a theoretical analysis of the interaction between an ideal two-level quantum system and a super-oscillatory pulse, like the one proposed and successfully synthesized in J. Opt. 23, 075604 (2021). As a prominent feature, these pulses present a high efficiency of the central super-oscillatory region in relation to unavoidable sidelobes. Our study shows an increase in the effective bandwidth of the pulse in the super-oscillatory region, and not only the appearance of a local frequency higher than its highest Fourier-frequency component, as in the usual description of the phenomenon of super-oscillations. Beyond introducing the concept of effective super-bandwidth, the presented results could be relevant for experimental applications and opening new perspectives for laser–matter interaction.Centro de Investigaciones ÓpticasFacultad de Ingeniería