Electrophoretic deposition of the phosphor particles was employed to prepare an anode plate for the field emitter display. The process was analyzed by depositing magnesium hydroxide with phosphor particles via electrolysis of Mg(NO3)(2) . 6H(2)O in isopropyl alcohol. It was found that the concentration of MgNO3+ and OH- ions from the water present in the coating bath play important roles in deposition of phosphors onto the substrate. The deposition rate and the deposited amounts of phosphors are optimized for maximum brightness under low-voltage excitation. Also, the effects of MgO as a binder on luminance are discussed. In ZnO:Zn phosphors, the brightness of 400 cd/m(2) can be obtained at 500 V and 30 mu A.