Lu3Ga5O12:Eu3+, Lu3Ga5O12:Tb3+, and Lu3Ga5O12:Pr3+ phosphors were prepared through a Pechini-type sol-gel process. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), photoluminescence, and cathodoluminescence spectra were utilized to characterize the synthesized phosphors. The XRD results reveal that the sample begins to crystallize at 800 degrees C and fully crystallined pure Lu3Ga5O12 phase can be obtained at 1000 degrees C. The FESEM image indicates that the phosphor sample is composed of aggregated rice grainlike particles with sizes around 80-120 nm. Under the excitation of ultraviolet light (250-275 nm) and low-voltage electron beams (1-3 kV), the Lu3Ga5O12:Eu3+, Lu3Ga5O12:Tb3+, and Lu3Ga5O12:Pr3+ phosphors show the characteristic emissions of Eu3+ (D-5(0) -> F-7(4,3,2,1) transitions, orange-red), Tb3+ (D-5(4) -> F-7(6,5,4,3) transitions, green), and Pr3+ (P-3(0) -> H-3(4), P-3(1) -> H-3(5), P-3(0) -> H-3(5), and D-1(2) -> H-3(4) transitions, green), respectively. The corresponding luminescence mechanisms are discussed. These phosphors have potential applications in area of field emission displays. (C) 2008 The Electrochemical Society.