Abstract: The conversion efficiency of a meander coil EMAT is extremely low. In order to solve the problem, a three-dimensional finite element model for the sound field of a focused Rayleigh wave EMAT was established. Based on the transient and steady-state analysis, effects of excitation frequency, coil turns and length of the coil conductor on focusing characteristics and reflection echoes of defects were discussed. A 0.5 MHz point-focused surface wave EMAT was developed to detect holes of various diameters in aluminum, and it was also compared to a traditional meander coil EMAT. Result shows that signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and flaw detectability can be greatly enhanced by a point-focused Rayleigh wave EMAT.