The common name for a Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (CCFL). Thus called because, unlike standard "Hot" fluorescents (e.g. The colloquial “
neon” light), they require no heating filament. Cold cathodes are many times brighter than the standard
fluorescent bulbs while maintaining a much smaller
diameter. They also require a much higher voltage to run, and are more reliable due to the lack of a filament.
Cold cathodes have gained popularity of late as the lighting of choice for "
case modders", those who enjoy
tricking out their
personal computer cases. Usually matched up with a
window kit, to show off the inside of your
r33t system, and to provide an eerie glow in the color of your choice emanating from your case. While actually referring to just the bulb or tube, it usually is used to mean a complete setup, including
inverter and
power supply ready to be plugged into your standard
ATX case.