A
neon lamp (also
neon glow lamp) is a miniature
gas discharge lamp. The lamp typically consists of a small glass capsule that contains a mixture of
neon and
other gases at a low pressure and two
electrodes (an
anode and a
cathode). When sufficient voltage is applied and sufficient current is supplied between the electrodes, the lamp produces an orange
glow discharge. The glowing portion in the lamp is a thin region near the cathode; the larger and much longer
neon signs are also glow discharges, but they use the which is not present in the ordinary neon lamp. Neon glow lamps are widely used as
indicator lamps in the displays of electronic instruments and appliances.