A series of modulated states in the dimerized IrTe$_2$

IrTe$_2$ is a layered compound exhibiting stripes of dimerized Ir ions. With decreasing temperature, a series of structures with different periodicities is observed. These structures are distinguished by the arrangement of the dimerized stripes, as found using x-ray diffraction. The structural transitions appear to be driven by the Ir dimerization and Ir-Ir bonding in this compound.