Abstract: A blower assembly for circulating gases in a laser chamber. The blower assembly includes a driving assembly operatively engaged to a drive side shaft for rotating a fan assembly. A first bearing assembly supports the drive side shaft. The blower assembly may further include an idle side shaft for supporting the fan assembly and a second bearing assembly circumscribing the idle side shaft. The driving assembly includes a motor disposed over a rotor. The fan assembly includes a pair of hubs supporting a plurality of blades. The first and second bearing assemblies comprise a ceramic compound, such as silicon nitride (Si3N4), and are lubricated with a synthetic oil, such as perfluoropolyalkylether (PFPE).