Nano multilayers (NMs) films consist of alternating layers of materials with thicknesses on the order of nanometers and typically display many attractive properties which are attributed to the fact that, as the layer thicknesses decrease, the individual layer behavior changes and the interface volume increases.  In this presentation, I will show how to synthesize and characterize systems of nanostructured multilayers, leveraging nanoscale features to enhance properties and function. To address this, samples with a wide range of composition and layer thicknesses were synthesized via DC/RF and reactive magnetron sputtering. Multilayer configurations of metal/metal, ceramic/metal and ceramic/ceramic systems were designed as model systems for either optical optimization or thermal studies. A comprehensive microstructural evaluation of selected metal and ceramic multilayers are presented in order to elucidate on the role of their interfaces for properties and function.   Several NMs configurations including SiO2/TiO2, AlN/SiO2, AlN/Ag, Cu/Nb, Mo/Au and Hf/Ti will be discussed. The role of bilayer thickness and composition are evaluated and related to final microstructure and behavior.