Laboratory simulation of physical and chemical processes in interstellar ices.

We review the techniques which are applied to study by means of laboratory simulation the chemical and physical processes taking place in ices in interstellar dense clouds. We summarize the current situation with regard to spectroscopy of interstellar ice analogs and with regard to the simulation of chemical processes such as modification of the ices by UV photons and surface reactions between reactive atoms and molecules. It is discussed how such data can be used to explore the potential of the icy mantles both as a record of the various chemical conditions that occur in dense clouds and as an environment for unique interstellar chemical processes.