Surface band structure and differential reflectance spectra of the (110)(1×1) surface of cubic silicon carbide crystals are investigated within a self‐consistent tight binding theory. The surface electronic band structure is characterized by the pronounced surface states in the gap and show metallic character. Optical transitions between the surface states cause an enormous reflectivity within the range of 1.0 to 1.5 eV and reveal strong polarization anisotropy. Influence of the atomic geometry of the (110)(1×1) surface on the differential reflectance of 3CSiC is studied. ©1995 American Institute of Physics.