  The realization of ordered strain fields in two-dimensional crystals is an
intriguing perspective in many respects, including the instauration of novel
transport regimes and the achievement of enhanced device performances. In this
work, we demonstrate the possibility to subject micrometric regions of
atomically-thin molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) to giant strains with the desired
ordering. Mechanically-deformed MoS2 membranes can be obtained by
proton-irradiation of bulk flakes, leading to the formation of monolayer domes
containing pressurized hydrogen. By pre-patterning the flakes via deposition of
polymeric masks and electron beam lithography, we show that it is possible not
only to control the size and position of the domes, but also to create a
mechanical constraint. Atomic force microscopy measurements reveal that this
constraint alters remarkably the morphology of the domes, otherwise subject to
universal scaling laws. Upon the optimization of the irradiation and patterning
processes, unprecedented periodic configurations of large strain gradients --
estimated by numerical simulations -- are created, with the highest strains
being close to the rupture critical values (> 10 %). The creation of such high
strains is confirmed by Raman experiments. The method proposed here represents
an important step towards the strain engineering of two-dimensional crystals.
