Hi Philip,
Spatial multiplexing is divided into two technologies:
1-Mode Division Multiplexing.
2-Multicore Fiber.
I think you plan to focus on mode division multiplexing.so It is like single mode fiber system requirements:
In Transmiter:
You need mode Multiplexer and mode converter (between LP01 and other modes),Also the WDM mux. that support spatial modes are required.
In Fiber:
You need to model few mode fiber which is close to single mode fiber more than multimode fiber and this includes dispersion ,nonlinearity and linear coupling.
In Reciver :
You need mode Demultiplexer and MIMO (MIMO depends on DMGD and coupling with reverse effects)
Also you need Few Mode EDFA.
Most of these Devises Except MIMO,will produce random coupling,which should be considered and modeled as option.
Also you have Mode dependent loss which occur in fiber and EDFA but the dominant is that in EDFA.
Most of your Equipment have defects With Mode Division Multiplexing and need to be checked and developed.
Hope you can do it before March2015 because after this I’ll miss it.