Gas discharge lamp and apparatus utilizing the same

摘要

A gas discharge lamp has a discharge gas sealed in a light-transmissive, cylindrical tube in which an internal electrode is provided as a first receiving end. An external electrode having predetermined widths along the axis of the tube is provided on the outer surface of the tube as a second receiving end. A shielding film is also provided on the outer surface of the tube excluding where a slit with a predetermined width is formed. The widths of the external electrode can be changed in accordance with the luminance distribution of the gas discharge lamp. The internal and external electrodes are connected to a high frequency power source and are applied with high frequency power therefrom, thereby causing discharge within the tube.