A planar photoluminescent lamp. In one embodiment, the planar photoluminescent lamp includes a plurality of barrier walls defining a plurality of channels, wherein each channel is with an axis and formed with a resistive portion characterized by a width, Ar, and a first capacitive portion and a second capacitive portion both characterized by a width, Ac, such that Ac>Ar. The planar photoluminescent lamp also includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are substantially perpendicular to the axis of a channel and extend over the first capacitive portions and the second capacitive portions of the plurality of channels, respectively.