1：Experimental Design and Method Selection:

The study involved preparing silica photonic crystal thin films via self-assembly of monodispersed silica microspheres with different diameters (326 nm, 348 nm, 437 nm, 470 nm, 538 nm) using a vertical deposition method. Nanoindentation tests were conducted to measure mechanical properties such as elastic modulus and hardness, and a two-stage deformation model was developed to explain size-dependent effects. Finite element method (FEM) simulation was used to validate the experimental findings.

2：Sample Selection and Data Sources:

Silica microspheres were synthesized with controlled sizes, and PC thin films were assembled on glass substrates. Samples were characterized using SEM and optical reflectance spectra to ensure quality and structure.

3：List of Experimental Equipment and Materials:

Equipment included SEM (FEI Quanta 200FEG), fiber spectrometer (Ocean Optics Maya2000), nanoindenter (Keysight G200 with Berkovich diamond tip). Materials included silica microspheres, glass slides, ethanol, water, ammonium solution, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS).

4：Experimental Procedures and Operational Workflow:

Synthesis of microspheres involved mixing reagents at 40°C, adjusting reaction time for size control. Films were assembled by vertical deposition at 60°C for 12 hours. Nanoindentation tests were performed at room temperature with a maximum depth of 550 nm, and at least five tests per sample for averaging.

5：Data Analysis Methods:

Mechanical properties were calculated using the Oliver and Pharr method. Energy analysis (total work, elastic work, plastic work) was conducted from load-depth curves. FEM simulation was used to model indentation processes and energy changes.