  The next fundamental steps forward in understanding our place in the universe
could be a result of advances in extreme contrast ratio (ECR) imaging and point
spread function (PSF) suppression. For example, blinded by quasar light we have
yet to fully understand the processes of galaxy formation and evolution, and
there is an ongoing race to obtain a direct image of an exoearth lost in the
glare of its host star. To fully explore the features of these systems we must
perform observations in which contrast ratios of at least one billion can be
regularly achieved with sub 0.1" inner working angles. Here we present the
details of a latest generation 32-bit charge injection device (CID) that could
conceivably achieve contrast ratios on the order of one billion. We also
demonstrate some of its ECR imaging abilities for astronomical imaging. At a
separation of two arc minutes, we report a direct contrast ratio of
Delta(m_v)=18.3, log(CR)=7.3, or 1 part in 20 million, from observations of the
Sirius field. The atmospheric conditions present during the collection of this
data prevented less modest results, and we expect to be able to achieve higher
contrast ratios, with improved inner working angles, simply by operating a CID
at a world-class observing site. However, CIDs do not directly provide any PSF
suppression. Therefore, combining CID imaging with a simple PSF suppression
technique like angular differential imaging, could provide a cheap and easy
alternative to the complex ECR techniques currently being employed.
