The present study focus on evolution of compressible vortex ring generated at the open end of a shock tube through accurate measurement of velocity field using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). To investigate the unsteady characteristics of embedded shock-free, low Mach number vortex rings, two cases (shock Mach numbers, M=1.27 and M=1.37) are considered for PIV measurements. Time-dependent variations of circulation, core and ring diameters, and ring velocity are calculated from the measured velocity field. Pinching-off process is investigated in detail for both cases. Formation time and the time of complete detachment of the vortex ring from the trailing jet are identified from the velocity and vorticity field. The ring formation is complete at about t * (= t U b / D) = 1.75 and 1.65 for M=1.27 and 1.37, respectively, where t is time, U b is fluid velocity behind the shock at exit, and D is tube diameter. Complete detachment of the vortex ring from the trailing jet is observed at t =2 and 2.9 for M=1.27 and 1.37, respectively. Copyright © 2011 C. Lakshmana Dora et al.