Abstract: A fluorescent lamp system is provided that facilitates high-brightness in a compact size needed for liquid crystal displays. The fluorescent lamp system comprises a lamp having a plurality of interdigitated legs arranged in multiple planes. By arranging the interdigitated legs in multiple planes, the lamp system efficiently fills the available space, thus maximizing the lamp surface area in general, and the lamp surface area oriented toward the display in particular, all while maintaining relatively small overall dimensions. The lamp system is thus able to provide the high-brightness needed for displays in a compact size.