ZnS:Gd, ZnS: Cu, Gd and ZnS: Mn, Gd phosphors have been prepared by firing the samples in argon atmosphere. Spectral distributions in these phosphors are discussed with appropriate mechanism. ZnS:Cu, Gd and ZnS:Mn, Gd are found to be examples of multiple band phosphors. Enhancement and quenching of the emission band intensities of all these phosphors have been studied inpel emission. It is observed that Gd³⁺ ions play an important role in transferring their excitation energy to other centres. The voltage and frequency variation ofel brightness are in agreement with collision excitation mechanism in Schottky barrier at the metal semiconductor interface. Studies in phosphorescence and thermoluminescence of these phosphors have also been carried out. It is observed that trap-depth changes slowly with temperature and dopant concentration. The values of trapping parameters have been evaluated. The irregular variation of the life-time of electrons in the traps. with temperature shows the existence of retrapping in these phosphors.