Surface light source device and liquid crystal display device having the same

A surface light source device includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a hollow electrode. The second substrate is combined with the first substrate to form a plurality of discharge spaces. The second substrate includes a plurality of recesses. The hollow electrode is disposed in each of the discharge spaces under the recesses of the second substrate, respectively. The surface light source device further includes an external electrode disposed on a lower surface of the first substrate corresponding to the hollow electrode. The external electrodes are on an outer surface of the lamp body, and are partially overlapped with the discharge spaces. The hollow electrode may have a rectangular tube or other suitable shape. As a result of the foregoing construction, the life span of the surface light source device may increase, and the light emitting efficiency may similarly increase.