  Solid state spectroscopy continues to be an important source of information
on the mineralogical composition and physical properties of dust grains both in
space and on planetary surfaces. With only a few exceptions, artificially
produced or natural terrestrial analog materials, rather than 'real' cosmic
dust grains, are the subject of solid state astrophysics. The Jena laboratory
has provided a large number of data sets characterizing the UV, optical and
infrared properties of such cosmic dust analogs. The present paper highlights
recent developments and results achieved in this context, focussing on
'non-standard conditions' such as very low temperatures, very high temperatures
and very long wavelengths.
