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A tandem absorber of Ti Al N∕ Ti Al O N∕ Si 3 N 4 is prepared using a magnetron sputtering process. The graded composition of the individual component layers of the tandem absorber produces a film with a refractive index increasing from the surface to the substrate, which exhibits a high absorptance (0.95) and a low emittance (0.07). The tandem absorber is stable in air up to 600 C for 2 h⁠, indicating its importance for high temperature solar selective applications. The thermal stability of the tandem absorber is attributed to high oxidation resistance and microstructural stability of the component materials at higher temperatures.