We describe the synthesis of short double-stranded DNA fragments (see 4 and 13) which are capped on both ends by an optimally designed linker molecule. The new structures are stable with respect to hybrid dissociation and should have implications in physical studies involving double-stranded DNA as well as in the antisense area for the specific modulation of gene expressions.1. Introduction. -Physical studies on DNA and DNA complexes with proteins/peptides or small molecules are mainly performed on oligonucleotide duplexes in order to decrease complexity. A drawback with oligonucleotides is that they often show a dynamic behavior with respect to hybridization, oligomer formation, and stem loop structures. One way to overcome these limitations is by cross-linking the two single-stranded DNA fragments. This may be achieved oiu internal disulfide cross-links, but this approach might disturb the instrinsic properties of the oligonucleotide double strand [ 11. Another possible solution is cyclic DNA with a complementary region. However, this creates dumbbell-like structures with loop formation on both sides adjacent to the complementary region thus hampering optimal hybridization [2] [3] (Fig. l a ) . A recently described stabilization of duplex DNA makes use of a hairpin structure which is cross-linked at the end by a disulfide bridge [4].