Voltage application device and discharge device

A discharge device comprising:

• a discharge electrode;
• a counter electrode which face the discharge electrode with a clearance left from the discharge electrode;
• and
• a voltage application circuit that generates a discharge by applying an application voltage between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode, wherein:
• the voltage application circuit is configured to form a discharge path that is partially and dielectrically broken and located between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode when the discharge is generated, and
• the discharge path that is partially and dielectrically broken includes
• a first dielectric breakdown region generated around the discharge electrode,
• a second dielectric breakdown region generated around the counter electrode, and
• a region not dielectrically broken and formed between the first dielectric breakdown region and the second dielectric breakdown region.