Separation of variables and symmetry operators for the conformally invariant Klein-Gordon equation on curved spacetime

The separability of the conformally invariant Klein-Gordon equation and the Laplace-Beltrami equation are contrasted on two classes of Petrov type D curved spacetimes, showing that neither implies the other. The second-order symmetry operators corresponding to the separation of variables of the conformally invariant Klein-Gordon equation are constructed in both classes and the most general second-order symmetry operator for the conformally invariant Klein-Gordon operator on a general curved background is characterized tensorially in terms of a valence two-symmetric tensor satisfying the conformal Killing tensor equation and further constraints.