Complete sets of symmetry operators containing a second-order operator and the problem of separation of variables in the wave equation

Abstract

For the wave equation in Minkowski space, a space is defined of nontrivial local second-order differential symmetry operators. The algebraic conditions, which, in accordance with the general theorems on the separation of variables, must be satisfied by the commutative subalgebras, including two first-order operators and second-order operator, are formulated in coordinate-free form. On the basis of these subalgebras, there are obtained all the complete sets of symmetry operators of types (2.0), (2.1). Sets are presented which do not have analogues in papers of other authors.