A reliable, high-energy, and efficient 2  μm laser is a key component in the development of a coherent Doppler wind detection lidar. A theoretical and experimental analysis of (Tm, Ho) co-doped laser amplifiers is presented. Considering the influence of energy transfer, upconversion, and ground-state depletion, the amplified pulse energy as a function of input pulse energy can be predicted at different temperatures. To validate the simulated results, a set of conductively cooled, end-pumped (Tm, Ho):LuLiF, and side-pumped (Tm, Ho):YLF amplifiers have been constructed. The theoretical performance is found to be in good agreement with the experimental results in both end-pumped and side-pumped amplifiers.