Proton Removal from Fluorine-19: Pathways to Oxygen-18 Transmutation A Theoretical Feasibility Study and Practical Evaluation

This paper explores the theoretical feasibility of producing oxygen-18 from fluorine-19 through nuclear transmutation. Motivated by the potential applications of oxygen-18 in medical imaging and scientific research, the study investigates proton removal mechanisms such as knockout reactions and photodisintegration, and evaluates their practicality using particle accelerators. Through detailed analysis of atomic structure, energy requirements, and isotope production methods, the research concludes that large-scale oxygen-18 production via fluorine-19 transmutation is scientifically and economically unviable. The paper compares this method with existing isotope enrichment techniques and highlights the limitations imposed by natural decay rates, infrastructure demands, and radiation management. This work serves as a critical examination of a seemingly promising nuclear pathway, offering insights into the boundaries of applied nuclear physics.