DKDP is monopotassium phosphate (KDP, or KH2PO4), but using deuterium. Replacement of hydrogen by deuterium in DKDP lowers the frequency of O–H vibrations and their overtones (high-order harmonics). Absorption of light by those overtones is detrimental for the infrared lasers, which DKDP and KDP crystals are used for. Consequently, despite higher cost, DKDP is more popular than KDP.
DKDP crystals are grown by a water-solution method at usual level of deuteration >98%.