We prove, by realistic microscopic calculations within the sp(3)s(*) tight-
binding method for GaAs(110) and GaAs(100), that the surface optical proper
ties are not influenced by long-range crystal termination effects, and henc
e that they can be consistently studied considering slabs of limited thickn
ess (20-30 Angstrom). The origin of derivative like and bulklike line shape
s in reflection anisotropy spectra is also discussed, analyzing the effects
arising from possible surface-induced reduction, broadening, and shifting
of the bulk spectrum near the surface. [S0163-1829(99)01123-61].