(DE4344258-C1)      Material contains chemical cpds. of one or more metals (M) of gp.IVa, nitrogen and oxygen. The novelty is that 2-45% of the vol. is formed by the empty spaces in region 0.5-100 nm3. The residual vol. has compsn. of gp.IV a metal:nitrogen:oxygen of 1:(0.1-1.7):(0.1-1.7). The material has formula: MNxOy (where x,y = 0.1-1.7).    Prodn. of thin layers of the above material is also claimed.    USE -   The material is used as absorber to convert radiation into heat energy, in which the radiation energy is absorbed into the material, the material is heated and heat energy is given off when coupled to a heat carrier (claimed). The material can be used in solar cells.    (JP9507095-W)      A material contains chemical compounds of one or more gp IVA metals (M), nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O). 2-45% of the volume consists of voids whose size is in the region of 0.5 nm3 to 100. The remaining volume contains a compsn. of general formula MNxOy (where x and y = 0.1-1.7). Also claimed is the use of the material as an absorber for the conversion of radiant energy into heat and a process for the manufacture of thin layers of the material as an antimicrobial material for medical use.    USE -   As a selective radiation converter (claimed) in the solar energy and nuclear power station industry and as an antimicrobial material (claimed) in thin layer form for use with implants.    ADVANTAGE -   The optical and electrical properties are adjusted over a wide range without having to change the chemical composition. The material has broad fields of application in the solar energy and power generating industries and may also be used as a decorative material.    (US5776556-A)      A material contains chemical compounds of one or more gp IVA metals (M), nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O). 2-45% of the volume consists of voids whose size is in the region of 0.5 nm3 to 100. The remaining volume contains a compsn. of general formula MNxOy (where x and y = 0.1-1.7). Also claimed is the use of the material as an absorber for the conversion of radiant energy into heat and a process for the manufacture of thin layers of the material as an antimicrobial material for medical use.    USE -   As a selective radiation converter (claimed) in the solar energy and nuclear power station industry and as an antimicrobial material (claimed) in thin layer form for use with implants.    ADVANTAGE -   The optical and electrical properties are adjusted over a wide range without having to change the chemical composition. The material has broad fields of application in the solar energy and power generating industries and may also be used as a decorative material.    (EP736109-B1)      A material contains chemical compounds of one or more gp IVA metals (M), nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O). 2-45% of the volume consists of voids whose size is in the region of 0.5 nm3 to 100. The remaining volume contains a compsn. of general formula MNxOy (where x and y = 0.1-1.7). Also claimed is the use of the material as an absorber for the conversion of radiant energy into heat and a process for the manufacture of thin layers of the material as an antimicrobial material for medical use.    USE -   As a selective radiation converter (claimed) in the solar energy and nuclear power station industry and as an antimicrobial material (claimed) in thin layer form for use with implants.    ADVANTAGE -   The optical and electrical properties are adjusted over a wide range without having to change the chemical composition. The material has broad fields of application in the solar energy and power generating industries and may also be used as a decorative material.