Selective focusing of electromagnetic energy via the electromagnetic time reversal in the near field of a metamaterial. The disclosure begins with fundamental mathematics, and then is extended to the experimental realm where focusing in space and time of the magnetic fields in the near field of a 1-Dimensional metamaterial is shown. Under time reversal focusing, peak instantaneous fields at receiver locations are at minimum 200% greater than other receivers. The strongly-selective focusing capabilities of the system can be employed to show individual and selective powering of light emitting diodes connected to coil receivers placed in the near field of the metamaterial. The results show the possibility of improving display technologies, near field imaging systems, increasing channel capacity of near field communication systems, and obtaining a greater control of energy delivery in wireless power transfer systems.