The findings were published Thursday in the journal Science, based on data from a device called the Radiation Assessment Detector that took readings during Curiosity's trip to Mars.
The AMS is a particle detector that will use radiation from space to help ascertain conditions at the beginning of the universe as well as providing more data about its composition.
By tuning the quantum cascade laser and measuring how much of the infra-red radiation is absorbed on its way to a detector, hazardous gases in between can be identified.