Abstract: A source for vapor depositing manganese onto a substrate in a vacuum. The source is formed by a chain of metallic beads fused around a wire. The material of the wire has a high recrystallization temperature, the beads consist of an alloy of manganese and one or more other substances from the group of metals and metalloids having a saturated vapor pressure much lower than that of manganese, and the fusion temperature of the alloy is lower than that of pure manganese and lower than the recrystallization temperature of the material of the wire. The beads are formed by securing blocks of the alloy to the wire by means of electric welding, after which the blocks are fused around the wire and are cooled.