A backlight unit containing one or more light sources and fabrication method provided. Each light source has a tube with a first bent side connected to a first end and a second bent side connected to a second end. First and second electrodes are disposed on the tube between the bent sides and their corresponding ends. The backlight unit further includes a first plate having oppositely spaced edge regions. Each edge region has holes. A first portion of each light source is disposed above the first plate and a second portion of each light source is disposed below the first plate. The first and second common electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second electrodes disposed on the tube.