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Hui Tong

Publications and source records attributed to Hui Tong.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Neural Network Construction of the Equation of State from Relativistic ab initio Calculations

Constraining the nuclear matter equation of state (EOS) beyond saturation density is a central goal of nuclear physics and astrophysics. While the relativistic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock (RBHF) theory, an \textit{ab initio,} non-perturbative nuclear many-body theory starting from realistic interactions, accurately describes nuclear matter properties near the saturation density $\rho_0 \approx 0.16$ fm$^{-3}$, its applicability is currently limited to densities up to $3 \rho_0$, necessitating a reliable extrapolation to higher densities. In this work, we employ supervised machine learning to train thousands of fully connected neural networks on low-density RBHF data. By enforcing thermodynamic consistency and smoothness, we finally select a subset of 264 optimal models. These models employ the Swish activation function, which we identify as the most reliable choice for stable extrapolation after extensive testing and comparison. Using these models to extend the EOS over the full density range, we obtain the nuclear matter symmetry energy and then compute the neutron star mass-radius relation and tidal deformability, which are in a great harmony with current astronomical observations. The corresponding extrapolation uncertainty originates from the combined contributions of both the 264 optimal models and the linear regression on nuclear matter EOS, yielding a symmetry energy of $E\mathrm{_{sym}(5\rho_0)=136.0 \pm 52.8 MeV}$, a pressure of $P(5\rho_0) = 346.3 \pm 97.4 \mathrm{MeV/fm^{3}}$, a maximum neutron star mass of $M\mathrm{_{max}=2.18 \pm 0.18} M_{\odot}$, and a tidal deformability of $\Lambda_{1.4M_\odot} = 532 \pm 34$. This work establishes a general and data-driven framework to explore dense matter EOS by integrating \textit{ab initio} calculations with modern machine learning techniques.

nucl-th

A subpopulation of low-mass, spinning black holes: signatures of dynamical assembly

Gravitational-wave observations of massive, rapidly spinning binary black holes mergers provide increasing evidence for the dynamical origin of some mergers. Previous studies have interpreted the mergers with primary mass $\gtrsim45\,M_\odot$ as being dominated by hierarchical, second-generation mergers, with rapidly spinning primaries being the products of previous black hole mergers assembled in dense stellar clusters. In this work, we reveal confident evidence of another subpopulation with rapid and isotropic spins at low mass containing the two exceptional events GW241011 and GW241110, consistent with a hierarchical merger hypothesis. Our result suggests the mass distribution of the second-generation black holes is peaked at low primary masses of $\sim16\,M_\odot$ rather than $\gtrsim45\,M_\odot$ in the pair-instability gap. Such low-mass second-generation black holes must be formed from the merger of even lighter first-generation black holes, implying that dense, metal-rich stellar environments contribute to the binary black hole population. By separating the contamination of higher-generation black holes, our result reveals the primary mass distribution of first-generation black holes formed from stellar collapse, which shows a significant dip between $\sim12\,M_\odot$ to $\sim20\,M_\odot$. This may indicate a dearth of black holes due to variation in the core compactness of the progenitor.

astro-ph.HE

Multi-strangeness matter from ab initio calculations

Hypernuclei and hypernuclear matter connect nuclear structure in the strangeness sector with the astrophysics of neutron stars, where hyperons are expected to emerge at high densities and affect key astrophysical observables. We present the first {\em ab initio} calculations that simultaneously describe single- and double-$\Lambda$ hypernuclei from the light to medium-mass range, the equation of state for $\beta$-stable hypernuclear matter, and neutron star properties. Despite the formidable complexity of quantum Monte Carlo~(QMC) simulations with multiple baryonic degrees of freedom, by combining nuclear lattice effective field theory with a newly developed auxiliary-field QMC algorithm we achieve the first sign-problem free {\em ab initio} QMC simulations of hypernuclear systems containing an arbitrary number of neutrons, protons, and $\Lambda$ hyperons, including all relevant two- and three-body interactions. This eliminates reliance on the symmetry-energy approximation, long used to interpolate between symmetric nuclear matter and pure neutron matter. Our unified calculations reproduce hyperon separation energies, yield a neutron star maximum mass consistent with observations, predict tidal deformabilities compatible with gravitational-wave measurements, and give a trace anomaly in line with Bayesian constraints. By bridging the physics of finite hypernuclei and infinite hypernuclear matter within a single {\em ab initio} framework, this work establishes a direct microscopic link between hypernuclear structure, dense matter composition, and the astrophysical properties of neutron stars.

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Evidence of the pair instability gap from black hole masses

Stellar theory predicts a forbidden range of black-hole masses between ${\sim}50$--$130\,M_\odot$ due to pair-instability supernovae, but evidence for such a gap in the mass distribution from gravitational-wave astronomy has proved elusive. Early hints of a cutoff in black-hole masses at ${\sim} 45\,M_\odot$ disappeared with the subsequent discovery of more massive binary black holes. Here, we report evidence of the pair-instability gap in LIGO--Virgo--KAGRA's fourth gravitational wave transient catalog (GWTC-4), with a lower boundary of $44_{-4}^{+5} M_\odot$ (90\% credibility). While the gap is not present in the distribution of \textit{primary} masses $m_1$ (the bigger of the two black holes in a binary system), it appears unambiguously in the distribution of \textit{secondary} masses $m_2$, where $m_2 \leq m_1$. The location of the gap lines up well with a previously identified transition in the binary black-hole spin distribution; binaries with primary components in the gap tend to spin more rapidly than those below the gap. We interpret these findings as evidence for a subpopulation of hierarchical mergers: binaries where the primary component is the product of a previous black-hole merger and thus populates the gap. Our measurement of the location of the pair-instability gap constrains the $S$-factor for $^{12}\rm{C}(\alpha,\gamma)^{16}\rm{O}$ at 300keV to $260_{-108}^{+190}$ keV barns.

astro-ph.HE

In-medium nucleon-nucleon cross sections from relativistic ab initio calculations

The in-medium nucleon-nucleon scattering cross section is a pivotal quantity for studying the medium effects of strong interaction, and its precise knowledge is critical for understanding the equation of state for dense matter, intermediate-energy heavy-ion collision dynamics, and related phenomena. In this work, we perform a microscopic investigation of in-medium nucleon-nucleon scattering cross sections, by utilizing the relativistic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock (RBHF) theory with the Bonn potential. The fully incorporation of both positive- and negative-energy states in the RBHF solutions allows us to determine the single-particle potentials, the effective G matrix, and the scattering cross section uniquely. The momentum, density, and isospin dependence of the cross section for pp, nn, and np scattering are studied in detail. Our results provide a solid foundation for future parametrization studies of multiparameter dependency of total scattering cross sections.

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Hyper-neutron stars from an ab initio calculation

The equation of state (EoS) of neutron matter plays a decisive role to understand the neutron star properties and the gravitational waves from neutron star mergers. At sufficient densities, the appearance of hyperons generally softens the EoS, leading to a reduction in the maximum mass of neutron stars well below the observed values of about 2 solar masses. Even though repulsive three-body forces are known to solve this so-called ``hyperon puzzle'', so far performing \textit{ab initio} calculations with a substantial number of hyperons for neutron star properties has remained elusive. Starting from the newly developed auxiliary field quantum Monte Carlo algorithm to simulate hyper-neutron matter (HNM) without any sign oscillations, we derive three distinct EoSs by employing the state-of-the-art Nuclear Lattice Effective Field Theory. We include $N\Lambda$, $\Lambda\Lambda$ two-body forces, $NN\Lambda$, and $N\Lambda\Lambda$ three-body forces. Consequently, we determine essential astrophysical quantities such as the neutron star mass, radius, tidal deformability, and the universal $I$-Love-$Q$ relation. The maximum mass, radius and tidal deformability of a $1.4M_\odot$ neutron star are predicted to be $2.17(1)(1)~M_\odot$, $R_{1.4M\odot}=13.10(1)(7)~$km, and $\Lambda_{1.4M_\odot}=597(5)(18)$, respectively, based on our most realistic EoS. These predictions are in good agreement with the latest astrophysical constraints derived from observations of massive neutron stars, gravitational waves, and joint mass-radius measurements. Also, for the first time in \textit{ab initio} calculations, we investigate both non-rotating and rotating neutron star configurations. The results indicate that the impact of rotational dynamics on the maximum mass is small, regardless of whether hyperons are present in the EoS or not.

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Spinning spectral sirens: Robust cosmological measurement using mass-spin correlations in the binary black hole population

Gravitational waves from compact binary mergers provide a direct measurement of luminosity distance, which, in combination with redshift information, serves as a cosmological probe. In order to statistically infer merger redshifts, the ``spectral standard siren" method relies on features, such as peaks, dips or breaks, in the compact object mass spectrum, which get redshifted in the detector-frame relative to the source-frame. However, if the source-frame location of these features evolves over cosmic time, the spectral siren measurement may be biased. Some features, such as the edges of the pair-instability supernova mass gap, may be more stable than others. We point out that binary black hole (BBH) spins, which are not redshifted in the detector-frame, provide a natural way to identify robust mass scales for spectral siren cosmology. For example, there is recent evidence for a mass scale in the BBH population that separates slowly spinning from more rapidly spinning BBH mergers, consistent with the lower edge of the pair instability gap. Applying our method to data from LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA's third transient catalog, we demonstrate how to isolate this mass scale and produce a robust ``spinning spectral siren" measurement of the Hubble constant: $H_0 = 85^{+99}_{-67}\,\rm{km}\, \rm{s}^{-1} \rm{Mpc}^{-1}$, or $H_0 =80^{+60}_{-46}\,\rm{km}\, \rm{s}^{-1} \rm{Mpc}^{-1}$ when combined with other mass features, such as the $\sim35\,M_\odot$ peak. We consider the possibility that the source-frame location of the $\sim35\,M_\odot$ peak evolves with redshift, and show that information from black hole spin can be used to mitigate the associated bias for self-calibrating spectral sirens.

astro-ph.CO

Rotating Neutron Stars with the Relativistic Ab Initio Calculations

The equation of state (EOS) of extremely dense matter is crucial for understanding the properties of rotating neutron stars. Starting from the widely used realistic Bonn potentials rooted in a relativistic framework, we derive EOSs by performing the state-of-the-art relativistic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock (RBHF) calculations in the full Dirac space. The self-consistent and simultaneous consideration of both positive- and negative-energy states (NESs) of the Dirac equation allows us to avoid the uncertainties present in calculations where NESs are treated using approximations. To manifest the impact of rotational dynamics, several structural properties of neutron stars across a wide range of rotation frequencies and up to the Keplerian limit are obtained, including the gravitational and baryonic masses, the polar and equatorial radii, and the moments of inertia. Our theoretical predictions align well with the latest astrophysical constraints from the observations on massive neutron stars and joint mass-radius measurements. The maximum mass for rotating configurations can reach up to $2.93M_{\odot}$ for Bonn A potential, while the radius of a $1.4M_\odot$ neutron star for non-rotating case can be extended to around 17 km through the constant baryonic mass sequences. Relations with good universalities between the Keplerian frequency and static mass as well as radius are obtained, from which the radius of the black widow PSR J0952-0607 is predicted to be less than 19.58 km. Furthermore, to understand how rotation deforms the equilibrium shape of a neutron star, the eccentricity is also calculated. The approximate universality between the eccentricity at the Keplerian frequency and the gravitational mass is found.

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GWPopulation: Hardware agnostic population inference for compact binaries and beyond

Since the first direct detection of gravitational waves by the LIGO--Virgo collaboration in 2015, the size of the gravitational-wave transient catalog has grown to nearly 100 events, with more than as many observed during the ongoing fourth observing run. Extracting astrophysical/cosmological information from these observations is a hierarchical Bayesian inference problem. GWPopulation is designed to provide simple-to-use, robust, and extensible tools for hierarchical inference in gravitational-wave astronomy/cosmology. It has been widely adopted for gravitational-wave astronomy, including producing flagship results for the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA collaborations. While designed to work with observations of compact binary coalescences, GWPopulation may be available to a wider range of hierarchical Bayesian inference problems.

astro-ph.IM

What is the nature of GW230529? An exploration of the gravitational lensing hypothesis

On the 29th of May 2023, the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration observed a compact binary coalescence event consistent with a neutron star-black hole merger, though the heavier object of mass 2.5-4.5 $M_\odot$ would fall into the purported lower mass gap. An alternative explanation for apparent observations of events in this mass range has been suggested as strongly gravitationally lensed binary neutron stars. In this scenario, magnification would lead to the source appearing closer and heavier than it really is. Here, we investigate the chances and possible consequences for the GW230529 event to be gravitationally lensed. We find this would require high magnifications and we obtain low rates for observing such an event, with a relative fraction of lensed versus unlensed observed events of $2 \times 10^{-3}$ at most. When comparing the lensed and unlensed hypotheses accounting for the latest rates and population model, we find a 1/58 chance of lensing, disfavoring this option. Moreover, when the magnification is assumed to be strong enough to bring the mass of the heavier binary component below the standard limits on neutron star masses, we find high probability for the lighter object to have a sub-solar mass, making the binary even more exotic than a mass-gap neutron star-black hole system. Even when the secondary is not sub-solar, its tidal deformability would likely be measurable, which is not the case for GW230529. Finally, we do not find evidence for extra lensing signatures such as the arrival of additional lensed images, type-II image dephasing, or microlensing. Therefore, we conclude it is unlikely for GW230529 to be a strongly gravitationally lensed binary neutron star signal.

gr-qc

Key drivers of the preference for dynamic dark energy

Joint analysis of the baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) measurement by the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) first data release, Type Ia supernovae (SNe) of the Dark Energy Survey Year 5 (DES5YR) release and cosmic microwave background (CMB) data favors a quintom-like dynamic dark energy model over the standard Lambda cold dark matter ($\Lambda$CDM) model at $3.9\sigma$ level (Adame et al. 2024). We confirm the previous finding in the literature that the preference for dynamic dark energy does not rely on the detailed modeling of CMB physics and remains at a similar significance level ($3.2\sigma$) when the full CMB likelihood is replaced by a CMB acoustic-oscillation angle ($\theta_\star$) prior and a baryon abundance ($\Omega_bh^2$) prior. The computationally efficient $\theta_\star$ and $\Omega_bh^2$ priors allow us to take a frequentist approach by comparing DES5YR SNe and DESI BAO with a large number ($\gtrsim 10^4$) of Planck-constrained $\Lambda$CDM simulations. We find that $\geq 3.2\sigma$ preference for dynamic dark energy is very rare (occurrence rate = $0.28\%$) in simulations. When we combine DESI BAO with SN simulations or combine DES5YR SNe with BAO simulations, the occurrence rate of $\geq 3.2\sigma$ preference for dynamic dark energy increases to $1.2\%$ and $4.8\%$, respectively. These results indicate an internal inconsistency, i.e., a significant tension between DESI BAO + DES5YR SNe and Planck-constrained $\Lambda$CDM models in both Bayesian and frequentist points of view. Although both DESI BAO and DES5YR SNe contribute to the preference for dynamic dark energy, the contribution from DES5YR SNe is more significant. In the frequentist point of view, even DES5YR SNe alone is in tension with Planck-constrained $\Lambda$CDM models, though in Bayesian point of view this tension is prior dependent and inconclusive.

astro-ph.CO

Ab initio calculation of hyper-neutron matter

The equation of state (EoS) of neutron matter plays a decisive role in our understanding of the properties of neutron stars as well as the generation of gravitational waves in neutron star mergers. At sufficient densities, it is known that the appearance of hyperons generally softens the EoS, thus leading to a reduction in the maximum mass of neutron stars well below the observed values of about 2 solar masses. Even though repulsive three-body forces are known to solve this so-called "hyperon puzzle", so far performing \textit{ab initio} calculations with a substantial number of hyperons has remained elusive. In this work, we address this challenge by employing simulations based on Nuclear Lattice Effective Field Theory with up to 232 neutrons (pure neutron matter) and up to 116 $\Lambda$ hyperons (hyper-neutron matter) in a finite volume. We introduce a novel auxiliary field quantum Monte Carlo algorithm, allowing us to simulate for both pure neutron matter and hyper-neutron matter systems up to 5 times the density of nuclear matter using a single auxiliary field without any sign oscillations. Also, for the first time in {\em ab initio} calculations, we not only include $N\Lambda$ two-body and $NN\Lambda$ three-body forces, but also $\Lambda\Lambda$ and $N \Lambda\Lambda$ interactions. Consequently, we determine essential astrophysical quantities such as the mass-radius relation, the speed of sound and the tidal deformability of neutron stars. Our findings also confirm the existence of the $I$-Love-$Q$ relation, which gives access to the moment of inertia of the neutron star.

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Possible Causes of False General Relativity Violations in Gravitational Wave Observations

General relativity (GR) has proven to be a highly successful theory of gravity since its inception. The theory has thrivingly passed numerous experimental tests, predominantly in weak gravity, low relative speeds, and linear regimes, but also in the strong-field and very low-speed regimes with binary pulsars. Observable gravitational waves (GWs) originate from regions of spacetime where gravity is extremely strong, making them a unique tool for testing GR, in previously inaccessible regions of large curvature, relativistic speeds, and strong gravity. Since their first detection, GWs have been extensively used to test GR, but no deviations have been found so far. Given GR's tremendous success in explaining current astronomical observations and laboratory experiments, accepting any deviation from it requires a very high level of statistical confidence and consistency of the deviation across GW sources. In this paper, we compile a comprehensive list of potential causes that can lead to a false identification of a GR violation in standard tests of GR on data from current and future ground-based GW detectors. These causes include detector noise, signal overlaps, gaps in the data, detector calibration, source model inaccuracy, missing physics in the source and in the underlying environment model, source misidentification, and mismodeling of the astrophysical population. We also provide a rough estimate of when each of these causes will become important for tests of GR for different detector sensitivities. We argue that each of these causes should be thoroughly investigated, quantified, and ruled out before claiming a GR violation in GW observations.

gr-qc

Formation of GW230529 from Isolated Binary Evolution

In this {\em{Letter}}, we explore the formation of the mass-gap black hole-neutron star (mgBHNS) merger detected in gravitational wave (GW) event, i.e., GW230529, from the isolated binary evolution channel, and study potential signatures of its electromagnetic counterparts. By adopting the `delayed' supernova prescription and reasonable model realizations, our population synthesis simulation results can simultaneously match the rate densities of mgBHNS and total BHNS mergers inferred from the population analyses, along with the population distribution of the BH mass in BHNS mergers reported by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration. Because GW230529 contributes significantly to the inferred mgBHNS rate densities, we suggest that GW230529 can be explained through the isolated binary evolution channel. Considering the AP4 (DD2) equation of state, the probability that GW230529 can make tidal disruption is $12.8\%$ ($63.2\%$). If GW230529 is a disrupted event, its kilonova peak apparent magnitude is predicted $\sim23-24\,{\rm{mag}}$, and hence, can be detected by the present survey projects and LSST. Since GW230529 could be an off-axis event inferred from the GW observation, its associated gamma-ray burst (GRB) might be too dim to be observed by $\gamma$-ray detectors, interpreting the lack of GRB observations. Our study suggests the existence of mgBHNS mergers formed through the isolated binary evolution channel due to the discovery of GW230529, indicating that BHNS mergers are still likely to be multimessenger sources that emit GWs, GRBs, and kilonovae. Although mgBHNS mergers account for $\sim50\%$ cosmological BHNS population, we find that $\gtrsim90\%$ disrupted BHNS mergers are expected to originate from mgBHNS mergers.

astro-ph.HE

Transdimensional inference for gravitational-wave astronomy with Bilby

It has become increasingly useful to answer questions in gravitational-wave astronomy using transdimensional models where the number of free parameters can be varied depending on the complexity required to fit the data. Given the growing interest in transdimensional inference, we introduce a new package for the Bayesian inference Library (Bilby) called tBilby. The tBilby package allows users to set up transdimensional inference calculations using the existing Bilby architecture with off-the-shelf nested samplers and/or Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithms. Transdimensional models are particularly helpful when we seek to test theoretically uncertain predictions described by phenomenological models. For example, bursts of gravitational waves can be modelled using a superposition of N wavelets where N is itself a free parameter. Short pulses are modelled with small values of N whereas longer, more complicated signals are represented with a large number of wavelets stitched together. Other transdimensional models have found use describing instrumental noise and the population properties of gravitational-wave sources. We provide a few demonstrations of tBilby, including fitting the gravitational-wave signal GW150914 with a superposition of N sine-Gaussian wavelets. We outline our plans to further develop the tbilby code suite for a broader range of transdimensional problems.

gr-qc

Tensor-force effects on nuclear matter in relativistic ab initio theory

Within the relativistic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock theory in the full Dirac space, the tensor-force effects on infinite nuclear matter are elucidated by subtracting the matrix elements of tensor forces from the realistic nucleon-nucleon interaction. The tensor-force effects for the binding energy per particle of symmetric nuclear matter (SNM) as well as the symmetry energy are attractive and are more pronounced around the empirical saturation density, while the tensor forces have little impact on the pure neutron matter. By tuning the tensor-force strength, an infinite (negative) scattering length in the spin-triplet channel is found. This locates the dilute SNM with only the $^3S_1$-$^3D_1$ channel interaction at the unitary limit. Its ground-state energy is found proportional to the energy of a free Fermi gas with a scaling factor 0.38, revealing good universal properties. This work paves the way to study the tensor-force effects in neutron stars as well as finite nuclei from realistic nucleon-nucleon interactions, highlights the role of the tensor force on the deviation of the nuclear physics to the unitary limit, and provides valuable reference for studies of the four-component unitary Fermi gas.

nucl-th

Microscopic optical potential from the relativistic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock theory: Proton-nucleus scattering

A relativistic microscopic optical model potential for nucleon-nucleus scattering is developed based on the \emph{ab initio} relativistic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock (RBHF) theory with the improved local density approximation, which is abbreviated as the RBOM potential. Both real and imaginary parts of the single-particle potentials in symmetric and asymmetric nuclear matter at various densities are determined uniquely in the full Dirac space. The density distributions of the target nuclei are calculated by the covariant energy density functional theory with the density functional PC-PK1. The central and spin-orbit terms of the optical potentials are quantitatively consistent with the relativistic phenomenological optical potentials. The performance of the RBOM potential is evaluated by considering proton scattering with incident energy $E\leq 200$ MeV on five target nuclei, $\prescript{208}{}{\text{Pb}}$, $\prescript{120}{}{\text{Sn}}$, $\prescript{90}{}{\text{Zr}}$, $\prescript{48}{}{\text{Ca}}$, and $\prescript{40}{}{\text{Ca}}$. Scattering observables including the elastic scattering angular distributions, analyzing powers, spin rotation functions, and reaction cross sections are analyzed. Theoretical predictions show good agreements with the experimental data and the results derived from phenomenological optical potentials. We anticipate that the RBOM potential can provide reference for other phenomenological and microscopic optical model potentials, as well as reliable descriptions for nucleon scattering on exotic nuclei in the era of rare-isotope beams.

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Isospin splitting of the Dirac mass probed by the relativistic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock theory in the full Dirac space

The isospin splitting of the Dirac mass obtained with the relativistic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock (RBHF) theory is thoroughly investigated. From the perspective in the full Dirac space, the long-standing controversy between the momentum-independence approximation (MIA) method and the projection method on the isospin splitting of the Dirac mass in asymmetric nuclear matter (ANM) is analyzed in detail. We find that, the \textit{assumption procedure} of the MIA method, which assumes that the single-particle potentials are momentum independent, is not a sufficient condition that directly leads to the wrong sign of the isospin splitting of the Dirac mass, while the \textit{extraction procedure} of the MIA method, which extracts the single-particle potentials from the single-particle potential energy, leads to the wrong sign. By approximately solving the set of equations involved in the \textit{extraction procedure}, a formal expression of the Dirac mass is obtained. The wrong isospin splitting of the Dirac mass is mainly caused by that the \textit{extraction procedure} forcely assumes the momentum dependence of the single-particle potential energy to be a quadratic form where the strength is solely determined by the constant scalar potential.

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