A discharge lamp includes a first and a second substrate (12, 14), a cavity disposed in the first substrate (12) or in a portion of the first and a second substrate (12, 14), a first and a second aligned electrode (270, 272) disposed between the first and a second substrate (12, 14) having respective ends extending into the cavity, wherein the first and the second aligned electrode (270, 272) are "T-shaped" when viewed in cross-section. The T-shaped electrodes provide mechanical support that minimizes bending and distortion in the horizontal and vertical directions. The discharge lamp may include a charge of mercury or an inert gas, and may further include a phosphor layer (80).