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The mass function of neutron stars (NSs) contains information about the lateevolution of massive stars, the supernova explosion mechanism, and theequation-of-state of cold, nuclear matter beyond the nuclear saturationdensity. A number of recent NS mass measurements in binary millisecond pulsar(MSP) systems increase the fraction of massive NSs (with $M > 1.8$ M$_{\odot}$)to $\sim 20\% $ of the observed population. In light of these results, weemploy a Bayesian framework to revisit the MSP mass distribution. We find thata single Gaussian model does not sufficiently describe the observed population.We test alternative empirical models and infer that the MSP mass distributionis strongly asymmetric. The diversity in spin and orbital properties ofhigh-mass NSs suggests that this is most likely not a result of the recyclingprocess, but rather reflects differences in the NS birth masses. The asymmetryis best accounted for by a bimodal distribution with a low mass componentcentred at $1.393_{-0.029}^{+0.031}$ M$_{\odot}$ and dispersed by$0.064_{-0.025}^{+0.064}$ M$_{\odot}$, and a high-mass component with a mean of$1.807_{-0.132}^{+0.081}$ and a dispersion of $0.177_{-0.072}^{+0.115}$M$_{\odot}$. We also establish a lower limit of $M_{max} \ge 2.018$ M$_{\odot}$at 98% C.L. for the maximum NS mass, from the absence of a high-mass truncationin the observed masses. Using our inferred model, we find that the measurementof 350 MSP masses, expected after the conclusion of pulsar surveys with theSquare-Kilometre Array, can result in a precise localization of a maximum massup to 2.15 M$_{\odot}$, with a 5% accuracy. Finally, we identify possiblemassive NSs within the known pulsar population and discuss birth masses ofMSPs.

The millisecond pulsar mass distribution: Evidence for bimodality and constraints on the maximum neutron star mass