Scorpion probes, specific DNA probe sequences maintained in a hairpin-loop, can be modified to carry the components of an exciplex for use as a novel fluorescence-based method for specific detection of DNA. The exciplex partners (5'-pyrenyl and 3'-naphthalenyl) were attached to oligonucleotides via phosphoramidate links to terminal phosphate groups. Hybridization of the probe to a complementary target in a buffer containing trifluoroethanol produced an obvious fluorescence change from blue (pyrene locally excited state emission) to green (exciplex emission).