FIELD: electron tubes for mercury rectifiers, lasers, alphanumeric displays, fluorescent lamps. SUBSTANCE: proposed combination for mercury metering has intermetallic compound A incorporating mercury and second metal chosen from group composed of titanium, zirconium, and their mixtures; and component B in the form of activating alloy or intermetallic compound incorporating copper, silicon, and, probably, third metal chosen among transition elements. Means for mercury metering has combination of materials A and B and, probably, getter material C chosen from group incorporating Ti, Zr, Ta, Nb, V, and their mixtures or alloy of these metals and Ni, Fe, or Al. It is preferably made in the form of powders compressed into tabs or placed on ring-shaped metal support, or rolled onto metal strip surface. Method for introducing metered portions of mercury into electron tubes using proposed devices is given in description of invention. EFFECT: reduced temperature and activation time. 21 cl, 6 dwg, 1 tbl, 6 ex
