Atomic resonance absorption spectroscopy coupled with a shock tube is a powerful technique for studying high temperature dynamics of reactive systems. Presently, high temperature pyrolysis of SiCl4-Ar mixtures has been studied behind reflected shock waves. Using time-resolved absorption profiles at 121.6 nm and a detailed reaction model, the absorption cross sections of SiCl4, SiCl3, SiCl2 and Cl have been measured. Results agree well with available data for SiCl4 and constitute, to our knowledge, the first measurements for SiCl3, SiCl2 and Cl at the Lyman-alpha wavelength. These data are relevant to silica particle production from SiCl4-oxidant mixtures combustion synthesis. (C) 2013 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.