An intermediate electrode is formed in a space between an X display electrode and a Y display electrode parallel thereto. A negative voltage is applied to the Y display electrode to use the Y display electrode as a cathode. A charge is stored between the Y display electrode and an intermediate electrode to create an electric field. Upon the increase of the intensity of the electric field to a sufficiently high level, an instant discharge occurs between the Y display electrode and the X display electrode and intense ultraviolet rays are produced. The fluorescent layer excited by the ultraviolet rays emits visible light. Only a narrow pulse current flows through the X display electrode and the Y display electrode, so that power consumption can be suppressed at high emission efficiency.