Implementations of a method of separating a wafer from a boule including semiconductor material may include: creating a damage layer in a boule comprising semiconductor material. The boule may have a first end and a second end. The method may include cooling the first end of the boule and heating the second end of the boule. A thermal gradient may be formed between the cooled first end and the heated second end. The thermal gradient may assist a silicon carbide wafer to separate from the boule at the damage layer.