Abstract: Whirl forces in a high-speed hydrostatic air bearing are reduced by orienting the gas supply nozzles so that the pressurized gas enters the bearing opposite to the direction of rotation of the shaft. Stiffness also is thereby increased. Stable operation at supersonic surface speeds may thus be achieved. Diffuser chamfers may be added to the bearing surface to enhance performance at very high pressure ratios. This anti-whirl air bearing is effectively used to support a nuclear magnetic resonance cylindrical sample container capable of high-speed spinning for line-narrowing of solid samples. Motive power required to spin the container at supersonic surface speeds is provided by radial-inflow microturbines with tip diameter less than the bearing diameter and supersonic inlet gas velocities. An axial thrust bearing is included between the microturbine and the sample container.