The photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence of $SrGa_2S_4:EU$ phosphor were optimized with the process and chemical variables (activators, fluxes and reaction temperature) used in solid state reaction. Firing the powder with flux at $800^{circ}C$ for 2hr gave the highest photoluminescence efficiency under near-UV excitation and the highest cathodoluminescence efficiency of 20.1 lm/W at 2 kV and 33.3 lm/W at 10 kV. The suitability of $SrGa_2S_4:EU$ for application as a phosphor in LCDs and FEDs is discussed.