We report the results of a theoretical study of the performance characteristics of an optically pumped CF4laser amplifier in terms of a rate equation model. In order to achieve the best output from such an amplifier it is necessary to optimize its operating parameters. Our calculations indicate that, for a given pump rate, there exists an optimum gain length for the amplifier at which the output energy is a maximum. This optimum gain length is a function of the amplifier pump rate as well as its operating pressure and temperature. Our results also show that proper synchronization of the CO2pump pulse and the CF4laser pulse leads to the highest amplified output energy.