The Korean Electronics Technology Institute has developed what it says is the world's first chip capable of photographing high-definition pictures or videos in the dark without a flash.

The institute, an affiliate of the Commerce, Industry and Energy Ministry, on Thursday said the nano image sensor enables the taking of pictures in a dark place of under one lux.

The cutting-edge sensor has functions similar to the human eye's retinal cells.

The new invention is expected to open a new era in the global sensor market, and will go into production from the middle of next year under the semiconductor manufacturing system without additional capital investment.