Abstract: For maintaining a monolayer of scandium which is necessary for a satisfactory emission on the surface of a scandate cathode, at least the top layer of the cathode is provided with scandium coated with a scandium oxide film. Even after repeated ion bombardment the emission is found to recover up to approximately 90% of the initial value at a current density of ca. 100 A/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a dispenser cathode having a porous tungsten body, in which a metal oxide is provided in the body and the body is impregnated with barium. Good results as regards life and resistance to ion bombardment are obtained if the comparatively cheap oxides of gallium and indium are used.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a scandate dispenser cathode having a matrix at least the top layer of which at the surface consists substantially of tungsten (W) and scandium oxide (Sc.sub.2 O.sub.3) and with emitter material in or below said matrix. If said method comprises the following steps:(a) compressing a porous plug of tungsten powder(b) heating said plug in a non-reactive atmosphere and in contact with scandium to above the melting temperature of scandium,(c) cooling the plug in a hydrogen (H.sub.2) atmosphere(d) pulverizing the plug to fragments(e) heating said fragments to approximately 800.degree. C. and firing them at this temperature for a few to a few tens of minutes in a hydrogen atmosphere and slowly cooling in said hydrogen atmosphere(f) grinding the fragments to scandium hydride-tungsten powder (ScH.sub.2 /W)(g) compressing a matrix or a top layer on a matrix of pure tungsten from said ScH.sub.