Lens assembly method and systems

Methods and systems for mounting a lens in a lens cell. The system may include a spindle assembly including a motor and a spindle, which may be an air bearing spindle, a passage within the spindle and an opening at the end of the passage at the surface of the spindle head, a vacuum source connected to the passage of the spindle to create suction at the opening, a stage configured to securely receive a lens mount with a lens cell such that a central axis of the lens cell is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the spindle, a micropositioner configured to reposition the lens on the spindle head, and a motion gauge configured to detect eccentric rotation of a lens as lens motion when the lens is positioned on the head of the rotating spindle.