Photoluminescent and cathodoluminescent charcteristics of inorganic luminescent materials were investigated ot develop possible phosphors for thin film electroluminescent (TFEL) device applications. Mg, Zn, and Photoluminescent and cathodoluminescent charcteristics of inorganic luminescent materials were investigated ot develop possible phosphors for thin film electroluminescent (TFEL) device applications. Mg, Zn, and $Si_3N_4$ powders were used to synthesize $(Mg_xZn_{1-x})SiN_2$ host materials. $Tb_4O_7$ and $Eu_2O_3$ powdrs were added as luminescent centers. Very sharp emission spectra of $Tb^{3+}$ ions were observed from $Mg._5Zn._5SiN_2:Tb$ sampels sintered at $1400^{circ}C$ for an hour and the maximum intensity of emission spectra occured at wavelength of 550nm (green light). Synthetic conditions of $(Mg_xZn_{1-x})SiN_2:Eu$ phosphors were optimized for the hghest luminescence. The Eu concentrations were varied from 0.2% to 1.6%. Before firing, the powders were mixed using ballmills, methanol, acetone, or D.I. water. The Mg/Zn ratio also were varied from x=0.3 to x=0.7. The maximum PL intensity was obtained from a sample with 1.2% Eu concentration and the powder was mixed with methanol and dried before firing. The maximum intensity of the emission spectra occurred t the wavelength of 470nm(blue light). TFEL devices fabricated by using sputter deposition of $(Mg._3Zn._7)SiN_2:Eu$ phosphor layer showed yellowish white emission at the phosphor field of 2MV/cm.