Planar gas discharge lamp for dielectrically impeded discharges for representing e.g. symbols, has gas chambers, and switching device provided for alternatively connecting first electrode with second and third electrodes

摘要

The lamp has gas chambers (1, 2) closed by planar plates and forming two dielectric layers (8, 9). A ballast has a high voltage apparatus generating direct-current voltage. A first electrode (3) is connected to a ground, and a second electrode (4) is connected to high voltage. A third electrode (5) is arranged between the first and second electrodes. A switching device is provided for alternatively connecting the third electrode with the first and second electrodes. An electrically conducting housing i.e. metallic housing (12), is formed at a rear side of the lamp.