Raman spectroscopy is used to measure the frequency shift, symmetry, a
nd activity of long-wavelength optical phonons in several GaAs straine
d epilayers. The results are compared with theoretical evaluations usi
ng the elastic compliances, phonon deformation potentials, and Raman t
ensors. The effect of growth direction ([001], [111], and [112]) and t
he substrate nature (Si or CaF2) is analyzed. The importance of nonsta
ndard growth directions, [111] or [112], on residual stress and piezoe
lectric effect is discussed.