Phosphors based on solid solutions of Y2O3-La2O3-Gd2O3 and Y2O2S-La2O2S-Gd2O2S and YVO4-GdVO4 doped by Eu3+ were synthesized by different methods. The influence of a matrix composition and an activator concentration on phosphor's light-emitting performances is described in order to propose the optimized synthesis conditions. Europium-doped yttrium, lanthanum and gadolinium oxysulphides phosphors show higher CL-efficiency at low applied voltages than oxides ones. The presented results confirm that europium doped solid solutions of Y-Gd-La oxides, oxysulphides and vanadates are perspective for PL and CL application in the display manufacture. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.