PURPOSE: To obtain bright illumination by composing an auxiliary electrode, provided on a tube wall for leading discharge, with a transference electrode.

CONSTITUTION: A transference electrode 6 uses transparent conductive adhesive. Turning the auxiliary electrode to a part to be illuminated of a manuscript 7, causes a positive column 1 to be produced on a place near the manuscript 7, and a visible radiation, sent from fluorescent material 4 excited with the positive column 1, transmits the transference electrode 6 to irradiate the manuscript 7. Thus light, emitted at the nearest place to the manuscript out of the wall surfaces of a cold cathode discharge tube, can be utilized to obtain bright illumination light.