In order to reduce the absorption of L-arginine trifluoroacetate (LATF) in near-infrared region, deuterated LATF (DLATF) crystals have been synthesized and grown successfully. The grown crystals were characterized by the single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction methods, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectra. DLATF belongs to monoclinic space system, space group P2(1), with unit cell parameters: a = 10.547(6), b = 5.696(3), c = 10.825(6)angstrom, beta = 106.747(10)degrees, V = 622.8(6)angstrom(3) and Z = 2. Thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) studies were carried out to characterize its thermal behaviors. The specific heat has been investigated in the temperature range of 293-453 K. Optical transmission spectrum and second harmonic generation were investigated to study its optical properties. The laser-induced damage threshold measurement revealed that the crystal has a higher damage threshold than that of LATF. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.