DOI: https://doi.org/10.22184/1993-8578.2023.16.6.370.377

The launch of magnetrons with instant start into the generation mode is due to the current of field emission from nanoscale crystals, formed on the surface of tantalum field emisson cathodes during the cathode-heating unit (CHU) activation. When the current level is not sufficient to launch the magnetron, cathodes should additionally trained in diode. This process increases magnetron cycle time and includes the use of extra production resources. This work reflects the results of studies of the influence of surface defects of tantalum washers artificially created by ion and chemical etching on the growth processes of nanowhiskers. Possibility of using tungsten and niobium washers as autocathodes for magnetrons with "cold" cathode is considered.