Disclosed herein is a back light device for LCDs. The back light device
includes an inverter to supply an alternating current or a pulse, a plurality of
fluorescent lamps to radiate visible light, a reflection member to reflect the
light radiated from the fluorescent lamps, a diffusion member to diffuse the light,
and a frame to house the above elements therein. An external electrode is provided
at a first end of each of the fluorescent lamps, and an internal electrode is provided
at a second end of each of the fluorescent lamps. An extension electrode is provided
on an outer surface of the second end of each of the fluorescent lamps to be connected
to an associated internal electrode. A holding terminal is provided at each of
both ends of each fluorescent lamp to connect the external and extension electrodes
to each other. Further, an inverter is provided to operate the fluorescent lamps.