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The introduction of metamaterials has provided new possibilities to manipulate the propagation of waves in different fields of physics, ranging from electromagnetism to acoustics. However, despite the variety of configurations proposed so far, most solutions lack dynamic tunability, i.e. their functionality cannot be altered post-fabrication. Our work overcomes this limitation by employing a photo-responsive polymer to fabricate a simple metamaterial structure and enable tuning of its elastic properties using visible light. The structure of the metamaterial consists of graded resonators in the form of an array of pillars, each giving rise to different resonances and transmission band gaps. Selective laser illumination can then tune the resonances and their frequencies individually or collectively, thus yielding many degrees of freedom in the tunability of the filtered or transmitted wave frequencies, similar to playing a keyboard, where illuminating each pillar corresponds to playing a different note. This concept can be used to realize low-power active devices for elastic wave control, including beam splitters, switches and filters. This article is part of the theme issue 'Current developments in elastic and acoustic metamaterials science (Part 2)'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise control of elastic waves is a challenge for many applications in the field of mechanical vibrations, ultrasonic inspection, and energy harvesting. Graded arrays of resonators on elastic substrates recently revealed superior performances for broadband wave trapping and mode conversion. In this study we present elastic waveguides able to govern waves at different scales exploiting rainbow reflection, trapping and mode conversion. We investigate whether these mechanisms, and the associated control, can be used for energy harvesting or signal conversion devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]