I just wonder if a correctly implemented semiconductor grid leak type circuit might be the best way to do AM detection. I have always used the plate detection type detection, though with semiconductors.
It should be easy to know if you are getting grid leak like detection because there must be a reduction in output current with increasing RF input.
https://sites.google.com/view/analogelectronics/home/grid-leak-detection
Sounds interesting. It's fun to try to get the maximum performance out of a circuit. Any further findings on this?
So if a grid leak detector could be implemented with a single transistor, then would it also be possible to apply regeneration to that same transistor to achieve a single-device, grid-leak, regenerative detector like the old tube detectors?