Block definition design for stretchable metamaterials: enabling configurable sensitivity to deformation

The sensitivity to deformation plays a key role in determining the applicability of stretchable metamaterials (MMs) to be used for conformal integration or mechanical reconfiguration. Typically, different unit designs are required to achieve the desired sensitivity, but this article proposes a block definition design for stretchable MMs that enables regulation of the MMs' response to deformation by defining various block arrangements with the same precursor structure. The article demonstrates a stretchable MM that employs the block definition design to show the mechanical reconfigurability of resonant frequency. Different block definitions result in modulation ranges of resonant frequency ranging from 39\% to 85\% when applying a 20\% tensile strain. Additionally, the proposed design is also used to realize another MM with contradictory sensitivity to the deformation and electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) MMs with configurable transmission bandwidth to the deformation, indicating its potential for broader applications.