Abstract: Composite polymer/liquid crystal material having a holographic grating structure formed by an alternating ordered succession of polymer layers and nematic liquid crystal layers. The nematic liquid crystal layers comprise an ordered nematic monophase region which is substantially free from liquid crystal droplets.

Abstract: A digital transaction recorder system coupled to a database is used to create an identification badge, to permit access to an area of a facility, and to produce a database record, of the access to a facility by an individual. Digital images are captured of an individual and the individual's identification document, which are stored in a database record along with personal data and a scan of any document being transported by the individual. The system creates a badge that permits access to the facility being visited by the individual. Remote badge readers coupled to the database allow access to areas of the facility depending upon the authorization stored in the individual's database record. Each access to the facility is time and date recorded in the database record. Access to the database record is by personal data (name) or a bar code on the badge.